Newcastle’s midfield enforcer Cheick Tiote made his first Premier League start since New Year’s Day 2015 during the Magpies 6-2 victory over Norwich City and the Ivorian is determined to make up for lost time in a black and white shirt.
United fans were somewhat surprised to see forgotten man Tiote’s name on Sunday’s team-sheet, with the Ivorian only recently returning to training following a recurrence of the persistent knee injury which has sidelined him for the majority of 2015.
Although Tiote unsurprisingly lasted just 45 minutes against the Canaries, his return could be a real bonus for Newcastle and fans will hope that the midfield stalwart can finally recapture the formidable form that saw him linked with a number of top clubs in the past.
Speaking to The Chronicle, Tiote said:
It was good for me to be back. After another game, I think I will be in my best position physically. Being injured is not easy.
You have to work hard to come back. I just stay positive and do my work to get back fit and play football.
Tiote’s return to the United engine room provides the Magpies with a strong physical presence and some much-needed bite ahead of what is sure to be a typically feisty Wear-Tyne derby on Sunday.
The Ivorian is confident that the Magpies can continue their upturn in fortunes at the Stadium of Light:
It was very important to get more confidence against Norwich. We take that and go into the next game against Sunderland.
We know it’s not going to be easy but we will do the right things on the pitch and do everything to win.
If the experienced Ivorian can finally shake off his niggling injury troubles and get a solid run of games in the starting XI he could go some way towards solving United’s frail defensive unit.
