Hull loanee Hatem Ben Arfa has admitted that he is under pressure to perform as his future with parent club Newcastle appears to be drawing to an end with his contract up in the summer.

Ben Arfa has locked horns with under fire Magpies boss Alan Pardew on a couple of occasions and most recently the Frenchman was accused of returning to pre-season overweight.

His latest fall-out with Pardew subsequently led to him being loaned out on transfer deadline day to Hull who are priced at 7.00 to relegated.

The playmaker was hoping that he would be able to prove his doubters wrong with the loan spell and set himself up for a permanent move away from St James’ Park in the future.

However, his he has only started one game in the league for the Humberside outfit while making two appearances off the bench.

The 27-year-old recognises that if he does not get his career back on track soon he could be left in a difficult situation as a free agent come the end of the term.

Ben Arfa said: “In the past, I only thought about myself. I thought I was alone in the world.

“I am very fragile, too fragile. Being a free agent next summer? It is huge pressure.

“I have used up all my credits. It is like playing Mario – I have one life remaining. I have to take care, but I will take on the challenge.”