Sandro Tonali shares what surprised him after he was given 10-month ban from football

Sandro Tonali is back available for selection for Newcastle United after serving his 10-month ban for breaching betting rules.

The Italian midfielder's ban was up the night before Newcastle United took on Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup and Eddie Howe wasted no time in throwing the 24-year-old into the action.

Since then Tonali has made two appearances in the Premier League as a substitute as well as playing two full games for Italy in the Nations League.

Tonali has worked hard, training with the team as well as flying back to Italy for mandated counselling for gambling addiction.

Sandro Tonali names the players who helped him through a tough time

It was a difficult time for Sandro and he told Sky Sports just how much support he had from teammates and the people of Newcastle.

“The feeling [to be back celebrating with the fans] was very, very good, because the fans were crazy after the first game.

“After the second game, the same for Bruno [Guimaraes] and Joelinton, because they supported me every day during the ban. With Kieran Trippier, and the captain Jamaal [Lascelles], these four, for me, were maybe the best players to support me.

“But every player and all the team – it’s a surprise for me, because I was a new player. I was here only for two months.

“But every person in the city, from working in Newcastle, all the people who live here, they support me and help me.”

Tonali celebrated with the fans as Newcastle progressed in the Carabao Cup

Tonali was seen going over to the away fans in the City Ground after win against Nottingham Forest and almost tried to hug the entire away end.

You could see how much it meant to him to be back in action, but mostly for him to be able to show the fans his appreciation.

Yesterday he made another strong case for starting ahead of Sean Longstaff in future games. He is ready, it's time to unleash the £55 million signing on the Premier League properly.