Cheick Tiote has insisted that he is ready to fight for his first-team place at Newcastle United, following his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The 26-year-old found himself on the bench against Tottenham Hotspur yesterday, with new signing Moussa Sissoko preferred alongside James Perch and Yohan Cabaye.

"The squad has changed since I have been away and it was good for us to sign some new players because we have more strength and balance in the squad," he told the club's official website. "That can only be a good thing.

"I cannot just come straight back in. The team have been doing well while I was away and got a couple of good wins.

"All that matters is the team, not who is playing. If we are winning games you cannot expect just to come back and play from the start."

Tiote did come off the bench and will be hoping to get a starting spot in the Magpies' next game against Southampton.