Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote is confident the club can finish fourth and qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League.
Newcastle midfielder eyeing UEFA Champions League spot
Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote is confident the club can finish fourth and qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League.
The high-flying Toon have enjoyed a memorable campaign so far, defying pre-season predictions of struggle to compete at the top end of the Premier League table.
Heading into Saturday's home clash with Wolves, Alan Pardew's men are in sixth place, just a point behind Chelsea and Arsenal, and could rise into the top four should results go their way.
Ivory Coast international Tiote will be making his first appearance in a black and white shirt since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.
With Senegal duo Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse also back and midfielder Yohan Cabaye returning from suspension, Tiote feels the club are primed for a strong finish to the season that can see them grab that elusive fourth spot.
"I think we've got a good chance to finish in the Premier League's top four," said the 25-year-old.
"We're a point behind Chelsea and Arsenal, and now we have everyone back in the squad.
"Demba Ba is back and if we keep playing like we can, I think we can stay in the top four."
Key figure
Former West Ham striker Ba has been a key figure for the Magpies this season, scoring 16 of their 36 goals in the league so far.
However, Tiote insists that the whole team should get the credit for the club's resurgence.
"This team isn't just about two or three players, it's about the whole squad," he added. "It doesn't matter if one or two of those are missing, it's down to the team to come through that."
Tiote also revealed he had spoken with Chelsea striker and Ivory Coast team-mate Salomon Kalou about the battle for fourth, with Tiote making a cheeky prediction about how the table will end in May.
"I have discussed the race for Europe with Salomon Kalou. I told him we'll finish fourth and Chelsea will finish seventh," said the former Twente man.
"I told him that. And he said 'okay then, we'll see'. I suppose it shows the confidence I have in our team that I said it to him.
"If we keep working hard, everything's possible and we can go for fourth place."
