Newcastle United midfielder Cheik Tiote is confident that he and his teammates can help guide the Magpies back into Europe next season.

The North-East outfit were in danger of being relegated from the Premier League last season, but Tiote believes that they will be challenging when the 2013-14 campaign begins in August.

"The most important thing is to start next season well," the Sunderland Echo quotes Tiote as saying. "Hopefully, it will be a good season. I think we can again challenge for Europe.

"I think it will be different to this season. It was really difficult for us. We didn't have a massive squad, and we played in Europe as well as the Premier League. I think next season is going to be much better. I'm just thinking about being ready for next season."

Tiote has once again reiterated that he plans to remain at St James' Park beyond the summer.