text: Cancer survivor Jonas Gutierrez will trigger a contract extension at Newcastle should he start the remaining seven matches of the campaign. The 31-year-old was the only United player to emerge with any credit in the wake of last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Sunderland. It was Gutierrez’s first start for the Magpies in 20 months having twice beaten testicular cancer. The Argentine has said he will never forgive Newcastle for their handling of his illness after he was told to find a new club when he first returned from treatment in December, 2013. Jonas Gutierrez (left) will trigger contract extension  should he start the remaining seven matches . Gutierrez and Sebastian Larsson compete for the ball during the Wear-Tyne derby . But the midfielder is one of the very few players currently respected by a disgruntled fanbase who are threatening to boycott the next home match against Spurs. Before then Gutierrez is in line to start at Liverpool on Monday night, meaning he will be one game closer to winning a new contract at St James’ Park. The club’s hierarchy are unlikely to want to keep Gutierrez on their books next season, although head coach John Carver insists he will not be swayed by contract clauses when it comes to picking his strongest team. Adam Johnson  shakes hands with Gutierrez after the match between Sunderland and Newcastle . ‘I'm unaware of it (the clause),’ he said. ‘I like it that way as I make my judgement during the week on the training ground. ‘I pick a team on what I think will be the best team on the pitch. Sometimes you can get distracted. That (the clause) will not be in my mind.’ Gutierrez was the only Newcastle player to win applause from the club’s fans following the fifth straight Tyne-Wear derby defeat. Carver made a point of praising him afterwards and admits his recovery and return to top-flight action has come as a welcome surprise. Gutierrez shakes hands with current Newcastle United boss John Carver ahead of the Manchester United tie . ‘Everybody is delighted with how he has come back in and how he has progressed,’ said Carver. ‘He's fought and worked hard and done all the right things. ‘I don't think he ever thought he'd be playing as soon as he has done. I don't even think he thought he'd play again when you have an illness like Jonas had. ‘It must have been a proud moment for him, and for us as well, it was great to see him back out there.’ Ryan Giggs competes with Gutierrez during the match between Manchester United and Newcastle in 2011 . Manchester City player Carlos Tevez attempts an overhead kick against Gutierrez in 2012 .
target: Jonas Gutierrez could play his way to a new contract at Newcastle .
  The 31-year-old needs seven more starts to trigger contract extension .
  Gutierrez made his first start in 20 months in recent Sunderland defeat .
  Midfielder is one of very few players respected by a disgruntled fanbase .