The Algarve is an area where most people come to relax, but that certainly wasn't the case for Newcastle's players as they were put through a typically intense training session under the Portuguese sun on Thursday afternoon.

Club Photographer Ian Horrocks' exclusive photographs tell their own story as the likes of Papiss Cisse, Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini worked up a sweat - and even keeper coach Andy Woodman got in on the act as he rolled back the years with some impressive, if occasionally unorthodox, saves in practice.

Meanwhile, former Magpies skipper Nicky Butt came along to watch the lads go through their paces. He's currently on holiday in the region with his family and caught up with some of the backroom staff and his old team-mates.

Then it was to the ice baths - and a chance to cool down ahead of Friday and Saturday's games against Olympiakos and SC Braga.