Cataldo had enjoyed her first full pre-season with Newcastle United Women and won the battle to start at right-back on the opening day of the season against London City Lionesses.

A January recruit last term, Cataldo was hoping to kick on playing back in the Barclays Women's Championship - a level she's shone at previously - but then endured a frustrating wait to truly get up and running in the current campaign.

"It's been a rather long process but I'm now in a good place and feeling fit and sharp," she told newcastleunited.com.

"I actually fractured my fibula in the first game of the season against London City Lionesses.

"Everyone knows how I'm always fully committed in big challenges, but unfortunately I came off a bit worse. But thankfully I've healed well and I'm now raring to get going.

"I'm buzzing to be back fully fit and competing to get back into a matchday squad and to ensure I'm making myself available for minutes going forward."

It'll be 13 weeks by the time United's next game rolls around since Cataldo played a competitive match - but she last ran out at Kingston Park pitch on April 14th, the day the Magpies became FA Women's National League Northern Premier Division champions.

A lot has changed on and off the pitch since that historic day, but United's number 99 has certainly not lost her appetite to play in front of the Geordie fanbase.

"I'm so excited to get back out at Kingston Park, see all of our fans and experience another huge crowd," she added.

"I've still been able to feel the atmosphere and get that adrenaline when you're warming up and on the sidelines, but it's a totally different feeling when you're out there playing."

The former England youth international's wait for a home Championship game will have to be put on hold for now, as United gear up for their first match in the Women's FA Cup this season.

Becky Langley's side have been handed a home tie against fellow North East outfit Middlesbrough Women, who ply their trade in the FA Women's National League Division One North, but Cataldo explained how the team will continue to prepare as normal.

"It's a derby so both teams are going to be up for it and we're certainly not going to be underestimating Middlesbrough," she insisted.

"We know what they're good at and what they're capable of, so we're going to approach it just like any other game, prepare correctly and that should put us in a really good place heading into Sunday."

Tickets for Sunday's 1pm (GMT) kick-off at Kingston Park are on sale here.