• Europa League

Club Brugge label Tiote a 'human wall on two legs'

Cheik Tiote is expected to play for Newcastle on Thursday © PA Photos

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Newcastle's Europa League clash with Club Brugge is live and exclusive on ESPN on Thursday evening. For details on how to subscribe, click here.

Club Brugge defender Bart Buysse says he is ready to face "the human wall" in the shape of Newcastle midfielder Cheik Tiote.

Buysse, 25, played alongside Tiote at FC Twente, and was also part of the Zulte Waregem side that visited Tyneside in the last-32 of the UEFA Cup back in 2007.

Now with Brugge, he admits it will be a difficult game but says his team-mates will be pushing for the victory.

"I played with Tiote and he was one of our better players, a human wall with two legs." Buysse said. "They have strong forwards and a number of international midfielders.

"It will be difficult for us. It is hard to figure out how they will be playing because they turn the team around regularly. Getting a good result will be hard, but that does not mean we won't be going for it 100 per cent."

Meanwhile Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi has revealed he considered leaving the Magpies in 2008 - admitting he no longer felt wanted.

"I'm a guy that thrives on a manager that wants me around and feels I'm a big part of the team and squad," the 31-year-old said. "I do play my best when a manager backs me all the way, and I know I have that here.

"For me, that breeds confidence in my game, and I think you can see that in the way I'm playing, and my life as a whole. When that's settled, I play my best football.

"Newcastle's where I want to play my football. But I've always stated I'm not going to stay where I'm not wanted."

He added: "The Ipswich move that nearly went through was at a time when I didn't feel I was wanted. I want to be playing on that pitch and feel involved in the team and the squad. If that's not the case, I'd feel it was time to move on. As a player, that's how I've always felt."

Despite his admission - Ameobi reaffirmed his love and support for his local club, adding that occasions such as Europa League ties make it worthwhile.

"Obviously, Newcastle is the team I love and support, and want to play for. It's nights like this that make it worthwhile. At times it's been frustrating, not playing as much as I'd like, but regardless of that, I have to work as hard as I can and fight my way into that team.

"As long as I'm here, I'm going to do that."

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