Newcastle have recently signed Papiss Demba Cisse who will wear the club's famous number nine shirt and boss Alan Pardew is asking for the Toon army to be patient while the 26-year-old Senegal international becomes accustomed to his new role. Pardew is confident he will cope, but knows he will need time to settle into his position.

He said: "He's not young, he's a good age. He is in the prime of his career. He has been under pressure in his career, so he understands it.

"He is going to be surprised at the pressure that comes with this, but I think he will attack it in an honest way. He's an honest footballer and I think our fans appreciate that.

"I hope they have a little bit of patience at the start because he is going to find it difficult to get in the team, let alone be worthy of the jersey, so I hope our fans are patient with him and give him every opportunity." Click here to reach the No1 destination for hard news and exciting gossip on Newcastle United