Callum Wilson sends defiant message to Newcastle United fans as he continues his journey back to first team action

Callum Wilson is back in the Newcastle United match-day squad and has made short appearances in each of the last three games for the Magpies as he awaits his first start of the season.

After picking up a back injury in the summer which was quickly followed by a hamstring injury, Newcastle have been very, very careful not to rush Callum Wilson back too soon, even postponing his return on several occasions.

Given Wilson's history with injuries and his advancing years, this was definitely the right call from the club.

That being said, it was very frustrating as a fan to see his return date constantly pushed back and it made a lot of us question whether it's time to just cut the former England striker loose.

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Callum Wilson is determined to prove his doubters wrong

Wilson wrote a piece for the latest match-day programme and in it, he mentioned how fans have short memories and the only way to remind people of what he can do is to get out there and do it.

“Football is fickle at times; true people - like the manager - remember but some people forget what happened a few weeks ago, let alone previous seasons, and the only way you can remind people of who you are, what you are and what you stand for is by performing on the pitch.

“There’s no point me writing in the matchday programme what I’ve done and what I’m going to do - I’ve just got to go out there and do it. I’m raring to go, hungrier than ever, and I love playing here. I have so much to give still at this club and for those who remember what I’ve done so far, I’m back now to create new memories.”

I hope I have to write a lengthy apology to Callum Wilson in May

There have, perhaps, been none more critical of Wilson of late than myself, and I feel his comments are directed at the likes of me, who have been calling for time on Wilson's Newcastle career.

I will say, however, that a short memory is not my issue (in this case at least) because I absolutely remember how brilliant Wilson has been for Newcastle. i absolutely adore the man, and therein lies the problem - the less time he spends available to Eddie Howe, the more his reputation is tarnished.

I want to remember Wilson as the incredible goal-scorer he was, not the perennially injured waste of wages he's been lately.

I'd genuinely love nothing more than to look back at the end of this season and have to write a huge apology to Wilson for ever doubting him after he remains available for the rest of the season and hits double figures for goals.