Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has described midfielder Cheick Tiote as the "lion" of his team.
The Ivory Coast midfielder has been sidelined for two games with a hip injury but is expected to feature against Liverpool this afternoon.
Pardew, whose side are currently eight points ahead of the Reds, has welcomed the 25-year-old's return to the fold.
"He is the lion of our team," stated Pardew. "Like any lion who has been down in the dumps he came back [to training] and let everyone know he's back, let out a few roars, had a couple of scuffles.
"We are better for it. Not everyone was pleased to see him back but as the coaching staff, we smiled, and he managed not to kill anyone so we are ok."
Tiote, who has 29 international caps, signed for the Magpies from FC Twente in 2010.
