Wissa has opened up about being named in Newcastle's leadership group

Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa has opened up about being named in the club's leadership group this season for the first time, as he looks to rediscover his best form on Tyneside.

Wissa was named as part of a new five-man leadership group by Matthias Jaissle earlier this season, with the DR Congo international forward joining captain Dan Burn, vice-captain Joelinton, as well as Malick Thiaw and Lewis Miley.

It came off the back of a positive start to the season which saw the 30-year-old score against Tottenham and look like a player rejuvenated after a difficult first season on Tyneside.

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Club insiders said Wissa had come back in excellent physical condition from a positive World Cup campaign with his country and Jaissle felt he had a positive impact on the club's younger players around the training ground.

Wissa faced his critics after struggling for goals following his £55million move from Brentford. Injury kept him out of action for his first three months at Newcastle and he ended the season with just three goals to his name in all competitions.

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And he is now going through another goal drought having not found the back of the net for 10 matches and he has missed gilt-edged opportunities in the last two home defeats to Villa and Everton.

He has lost his place in the side to Will Osula and while he admits he needs to 'try to score goals', he has tried to have a positive impact on his team-mates away from the pitch.

"This is my first time writing to you after being chosen as part of the team's Leadership Group this season, which is a role I was very happy and proud to be given," Wissa told Newcastle United's official matchday programme.

"It is a new role for me and I know the head coach has trust in me to bring energy and positivity, and of course most importantly, try to score goals and help the team win games.

"When times are tough, I try to talk to the guys and be positive in every moment, because we have a young squad. But we know that we have a lot of quality and we just need to focus on that and make sure that everyone stays together because not everything is black and white.

"We need to find the right balance, mentally and physically, to get results. We must be united as a squad and also channel the energy of our fans."

Wissa will look to finally score his second goal of the season on Saturday when Newcastle make the trip to West London to take on Fulham at Craven Cottage.