Newcastle United’s Grant Hanley has admitted he has found parts of this season frustrating, having seen his playing time limited at St. James’ Park, reports the Shields Gazette.

The Scotsman joined Newcastle from Blackburn Rovers in the summer as Rafa Benitez conducted a huge rebuild on Tyneside upon their relegation into the second tier.

The defender had been captain at Ewood Park and played a key part for the club during his six-year spell with the club. Still, despite the Magpies' persistence to sign him during the summer, he has struggled for first-team opportunities.

The 25-year old has made just eight starts across all competitions, with just two coming in the Sky Bet Championship.

Speaking to the Shields Gazette, Hanley said: “It is difficult. Obviously, I’ve come from playing most weeks to being on the bench most weeks.”

“It’s not a situation that’s not familiar to me. I had it for a couple of years at Blackburn as a young lad trying to break into the team. It’s similar.”

Hanley featured in Newcastle’s last league outing, a 1-0 victory over Derby County, helping Rafa Benitez’s side return to the top of the Championship table.

The defender replaced Jamaal Lascelles at the heart of the Magpies’ back four, however, club captain Lascelles is expected to return to the starting line-up this weekend.

Ciaran Clark has been a regular fixture alongside Newcastle’s captain this season, making 26 appearances to help Bentiez’s side to a one-point lead over Brighton and Hove Albion at the top of the Championship.

Benitez takes his side to Molineux this Saturday evening, where they face Paul Lambert’s Wolves.

Newcastle fans… Would you have liked to see more of Hanley this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!