John Carver: 'We cannot be afraid of Manchester City quality'

Newcastle United boss John Carver has insisted that his side can cope with the threat of the returning Yaya Toure when they face Manchester City.

The 31-year-old will return to action with the Citizens for the first time since helping the Ivory Coast win the Africa Cup of Nations tournament earlier this month.

Carver is adamant that he fully intends for the Magpies to attack Manuel Pellegrini's men, despite the extra quality the home side will have at their disposal at the Etihad Stadium.

He told the club's official website: "You have to deal with it and get on with it. Yaya is a good player and I'm sure he'll have a point to prove but we've been up against him before we will get on with it.

"Whatever team City put out we know we're in for a difficult game. We're going to go to City with confidence. We do have a game plan and we aren't just going to park the bus we're going to have a go at them."

Newcastle are 11th in the Premier League going into the match against City.