Last Updated: Mon, 04 Feb 2013 04:43
Newcastle could have Cheick Tiote back for the game against Tottenham after the Ivory Coast went out of the African Nations Cup.
Tiote was on the score sheet in Sunday's quarter-final clash but it was not enough to prevent the Ivory Coast slipping to a 2-1 defeat against the Super Eagles in South Africa.
The midfielder will return to England this week and boss Alan Pardew will no doubt check on his fitness and state of mind before deciding whether or not to include him in the squad against Spurs this weekend.
Tiote has been missed but the influx of several new signings plus back-to-back wins against Aston Villa and Chelsea has taken the pressure off and Pardew may not rush him back.
Even so having the player back early is a boost to Newcastle as they look to climb further away from trouble at White Hart Lane.
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