Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren is happy to welcome Papiss Cisse back for their clash with Norwich City.

Cisse has not scored since August and has been dropped from the first team – and been on the end of some stinging criticism from pundits since the campaign kicked off.

McClaren told the Evening Chronicle: “He's another one who has undeservedly been getting criticism. This is football. With TV and everything now, they sensationalise everything.

"The plus for me has been seeing Mitrovic and Ayo link up well, but also having Papiss there. We did talk about at the beginning about Papiss and Mitrovic together, I'd like to see them together.

“It's not been possible so far but it could also be something for us."