1:29PM, Mon Aug 6, 2012

Newcastle Manager Alan Pardew Says Cheick Tiote Looks 'Ten Times Better' Than Last Season

Cheick Tiote: In great physical shape ahead of new season

£10 Free Bet
- Sky Bet are offering all new customers a £10 Free Bet Claim your free bet now

Pardew looked on from the sidelines as Tiote produced a brilliant display in Newcastle's goalless draw against Dutch side ADO Den Haag on Saturday.

Tiote returned to Holland for the first time since his move from FC Twente to Newcastle two years ago.

Pardew believes that Tiote did not have the best of starts to the 2011/12 season, but this year looks positive according to the Newcastle boss.

He told the Shields Gazette: "Cheick looks ten times better than he did last year, and I absolutely mean that.

"He did not come back well last summer, if I am honest. However, he has summered well this time and is in great physical shape.

"It is going to be a big season for Cheick.

"All my, what I would call big players, are important if we are to progress as a team, and Cheick fails into that category. He is in a good place."

Related tags: Sport