Cheick Tiote happy to be back

Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote has revealed that he was "happy" to make his return from injury yesterday afternoon.

The 25-year-old had been suffering with a knee complaint that prevented him from featuring in Newcastle's previous six matches.

However, the Ivory Coast international started his first game in eight weeks yesterday as the Magpies were held to a 0-0 draw by Swansea City at the Sports Direct Arena.

"It's good to be back because I haven't played for a long time," he told the club's official website. "I was happy to play today. It was good.

"You have to get back into the game straight away. You cannot wait to get into the game.

"I needed to work for the team and for my midfield partner Yohan Cabaye because it has been a long time since I have been alongside him."

Tiote joined Newcastle in August 2010 from Dutch club FC Twente.