Cheick Tiote has told Newcastle he is fit to play against Manchester City on Sunday, despite suffering a nine-inch cut to his head.
Newcastle midfielder insists head injury won't keep him out
Cheick Tiote has told Newcastle he is fit to play against Manchester City on Sunday, despite suffering a nine-inch cut to his head at Stamford Bridge.
The 25-year-old was carried off on a stretcher following the clash with John Obi Mikel during the 2-0 win over Chelsea on Wednesday, but he is adamant he will be able to feature at St James' Park.
"I can't remember any of it, but the most important thing is I feel great. It's just a cut on the side," Tiote told the club's official website.
"I spoke to John Obi Mikel afterwards and it's fine. It was purely an accident from him.
"If you play in midfield you have to let people hurt you and be ready for it. It's fine for me though, I will be OK for Sunday."
Confidence
Newcastle are now serious contenders for third place, with the win putting them just a point behind Arsenal, and level with fourth placed Tottenham.
And Tiote insisted the Magpies will not be daunted by the prospect of facing title-chasing Manchester City.
He continued: "We we'll be doing everything to win it. It was a great win[against Chelsea], and we have so much confidence.
"Chelsea are a huge club, and in the Champions League final. I think we have big confidence from this."
