Tiote's Toffees Target

By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Cheick Tiote is aiming to be fit for Newcastle's next fixture against Everton at Goodison Park - the place where it all began in a black and white shirt for the Ivorian enforcer.

Having arrived from FC Twente as something of an unknown quantity in English football, Tiote made his Magpies debut on Merseyside on 18th September 2010 and put in a dominant midfield display as United won 1-0 thanks to a Hatem Ben Arfa scorcher.

That proved to be a sign of things to come as, almost two years on, Ben Arfa is still scoring memorable goals and Tiote has turned into one of the most coveted anchormen in the country.

But after helping Alan Pardew's side beat Tottenham on the opening day, he has missed the last four games with a calf problem and is now hoping to return for the trip to the Toffees.

"I'm trying my best to be fit for the Everton game but it's important to be back 100 per cent," the 26-year-old told nufc.co.uk at United's training ground this week.

"It's hard to watch the games and not be able to be on the pitch to help the team to win the game. It's difficult for me.

"We lost against Chelsea and we drew against Aston Villa, and I think it was difficult for the team because we expected to win the last game and we didn't win.

"So we've got a tough game against Everton and we have to do everything to get a good result at Everton."

Should Tiote make the match against David Moyes' men on 17th September, it will mean he runs out again at Goodison Park just one day short of the second anniversary of his first Newcastle appearance.

And he's hoping for a similar result this time around to mark the milestone of that memorable day by the Mersey.

"It was a great start for me and I hope I will do the same this time and that we can win the game.

"I've enjoyed my two years here so far and I hope I continue to do that."

Click here to buy tickets for the Everton game