Newcastle's Jonas Gutierrez makes winning return after cancer

Jonas Gutierrez played his last Premier League game for Newcastle in October, 2013

Newcastle midfielder Jonas Gutierrez made a winning comeback after overcoming testicular cancer.

The 31-year-old, who underwent surgery in September, played for 87 minutes as captain in Monday's 4-1 Under-21 Premier League Cup win over West Ham.

"I am proud to be back," he tweeted. "Good game and really happy."

Gutierrez had surgery to remove his left testicle in his native Argentina before undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

He returned to training with Newcastle last month, having made his last appearance for United in the same under-21 cup competition just under a year ago.

His last first-team game was in April, during a brief loan spell at Norwich.

The former Mallorca man, who helped Newcastle win the Championship in his second season at St James' Park, has scored 10 goals in 177 league appearances for the Magpies since arriving in 2008.

He added on Twitter: "Thanks to all the fans for the support that you give through my illness."

Jonas Gutierrez made his comeback at Whitley Park, home of the Northumberland Football Association

West Ham's side included Diego Poyet, son of Sunderland manager Gus