Newcastle defender Achraf Lazaar has addressed his future on Tyneside and insists his only focus at the moment is on helping loan side Sheffield Wednesday.

The Morocco international left-back joined the Owls on a loan deal until the end of the season last month.

The former Palermo defender has been frozen out of the first-team setup at Newcastle with his last appearance for Rafa Benitez's side coming in August 2017.

He endured a difficult spell on loan at Serie A side Benevento last season where he was not registered for the second-half of the season.

He has been restricted to playing under-23 football at Newcastle this season and he is believed to have no future at St James' Park while Benitez remains manager.

The 27-year-old is under contract until 2021 and when asked about Newcastle and his future, Lazaar told the Sheffield Star: "I was playing in the home games in the U23s to keep my fitness high.

"I am fit, I feel good and I want to keep getting better and better.

"I always think about the present. I never think about tomorrow.

"I just live my life and football in the present. I'm not focused on the future. I am happy at Sheffield Wednesday. They have given me a chance. When someone gives you a chance, you want to repay them."

Despite only living in Sheffield for three weeks, Lazaar insists it 'already feels like home' and he is ready to give his all for his new club between now and the end of the season.

"I like Sheffield. My wife and family like it here," he added.

"We are just trying to find a house at the moment. I'm so happy to be here. It is an opportunity to show what I can do. Everything is positive.

“I have to go step by step to be in the top level. I talked to my agent and I looked at what was the best choice for me.

"I didn't think about other offers. I think Sheffield Wednesday was the perfect choice and and I'm so happy here.

"I think I'm in the right team. The group is hard-working and we hope to have some big results.

"My team-mates and the manager have helped me a lot. It feels like home already. It is great to be here.

“I am going to give everything for the shirt because this club has given me the chance.”

Lazaar is yet to feature for Steve Bruce's side but he impressed during an under-23 outing on Tuesday.

The young Owls ran out 2-0 winners over city rivals Sheffield United and Lazaar hit the post during an impressive display.

And he insists he is ready for first team football when Bruce sees fit.

"It is my passion to play football," Lazaar added.

"Every time you have the chance to go onto the pitch, even in training, you have to do your work to the best you can.

“Whether it’s in the first team, U23s or training, I will give 100 per cent.

“You have to give it everything because a lot of people would want to be in my position but I am happy to have this chance with Sheffield Wednesday.

"I hope the Wednesday fans can see me soon but I will just keep working hard and do my job.

"I am ready when the manager needs me. He (Bruce) is a great manager and I can learn from him. “When the manager needs me, I have to do my job. I am ready to give everything for the team.”

Lazaar will hope to make his first team debut for the Owls when they take on Swansea at Hillsborough on Saturday.