Resurgent Newcastle boosted as Tiote poised for return from international duty

Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote is due to make his Premier League return at White Hart Lane on Saturday, thanks to a brief playing comeback by former England international Steve Stone.

The Ivory Coast international is back prematurely from the Africa Cup of Nations and manager Alan Pardew is ready to throw him straight into Newcastle’s new-look team at Spurs.

But with so many players away on international duty this week, Pardew admitted Stone had to get his boots back on to help out on the training ground.

The Newcastle boss said: 'Cheick has trained today (Thursday) and reminded a few that he has been missing.

'Stoney had to join in because we did not have enough bodies and he had to keep our of the way of Cheick a few times, trust me.

'It is brilliant to have him back. I still think he is one of our best players. This year has been difficult for him to build on last year career-wise but he is certainly one of our top three players and hopefully, he can get back to that level he was at when he was absolutely phenomenal last year.'

Although Tiote is ready to return, France ace hatem Ben Arfa has suffered a setback on his road to recovery and fallen ill this week. The France international is now pencilled in for his comeback game in a fortnight.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...Tiote-set-return-Newcastle.html#axzz2KHb3rZJC





Sounds like Tiote is aware of the threat posted by our depth in midfield and has to fight for his place in the lineup.
Liking what we have in central midfield...
Cabaye Tiote Sissoko Anita Perchy

Abeid Gosling

 

A fired up Tiote, Cabs and Sissoko is an intimidating prospect for any team in the league to have to deal with. If we can keep bale quiet on the weekend spurs will have a proper game on their hands

 

Really looking forward to this game, I've been full of PRE match dread most of the season, can't wait for this one!

 

Let's just hope he's not to fired up and can channel his enthusiasm sensibly. Tiote and Cabaye are both firery characters and we need them focussed and effective, not suspended.
Have to agree with LTF, looking forward to this one, it's been a long while since that was the case.

 

Valid point we need them to keep their heads in the game. I always enjoy our games with spurs so looking forward to a good one on sat

 

I'm torn on Tiote. Any other time I'd want him straight back in. However Perchino is in the form of his life and was outstanding against Villa and Chelsea. The job he did on Mata was tremendous (the goal was others fault and a bit of a screamer). These are the selection problems we've been craving I suppose.

I think he might have to come back in though, he's the sort who could fettle their flair players.

 

We need to Still have An air of caution so we don't get up looking like clowns
It will be a tough game but one that we could create an upset
A point would be a great result anything more would be amazing
Spurs are beAtable but on there day they could murder teams

 

I have a bad feeling Tiote might get a red card at a vital moment that swings the game in their favour.

 

Just take two paracetamol and lie down until the feeling passes...

 

I'd rather be checked out by a nurse, just to be sure!

 

Well he better not, cos if he does, lm gonna come down there and knock him flat! Lol

 

Can't we just give him a good talking to?



On the other hand, shall I hold your coat.....