Newcastle United midfielder Geremi is confident new signing Lamine Diatta will make a positive contribution this season.

Geremi told the Evening Chronicle: "He is a tough opponent and can be an asset to us. I know him very well. Hopefully he can come in and help us.

"This is a difficult situation and he will know how to deal with that."

Geremi has captained his country on numerous occasions and picked up Olympic gold and African Cup of Nations medals along the way.

His presence, coupled with that of Diatta's wealth of experience, could aid United's battle to stay in the Premier League.

He says: "We need all the leaders we can get. Whoever the leaders are, we need to hear them. We need to keep the lads together and try not to be destroyed by what people are saying.

"We need togetherness. Once we win that one match it will change everything. But it's getting that win."