Moussa Sissoko calls for "motivated" Newcastle United

Newcastle United's latest signing Moussa Sissoko has insisted that his new club cannot afford to drop points against Aston Villa in their fight against relegation.

Alan Pardew's side travel to Villa Park on Tuesday night just two points above the drop zone and a solitary point ahead of Paul Lambert's struggling team.

Sissoko is in contention for his Magpies debut in midweek and has called on the Toon to ensure that they leave the Midlands with a positive result.

He told reporters: "Tuesday night will be a difficult night. Aston Villa are also in a pretty poor position at the moment in the league," he said.

"It's a match which we certainly can't afford to lose. We must make sure we are motivated for Tuesday night so we come away with a result."

The 23-year-old penned a six-and-a-half year deal at St James' Park on Friday.