Newcastle United's Cheick Tiote ready for new season

Cheick Tiote has said that he is ready to focus on next season after taking a break.

The midfielder is one of five Newcastle United players to have been given an extended rest over the summer, having spent time on international duty with the Ivory Coast in recent weeks.

The 27-year-old told nufc.co.uk: "Last season was not the best for Newcastle. It was a hard season in the Europa League and the Premier League but we've had some time off to rest now.

"It was really difficult for all the team but when you see the season, the most important thing was just to stay in the Premier League.

"That's what we did and now we need to prepare and be ready for the next season. When we look at last season, we cannot imagine to have the same season as this next year so I think it will be better."

Tiote made 31 appearances for Newcastle in all competitions last season.