Tuesday 10 November 2015 14:45, UK
Cheick Tiote has refuted claims he was a "bad egg" in the Newcastle United dressing room and says he is intent on rediscovering his best form.
The 29-year-old midfielder made his return to first-team action last month after recovering from a long-standing knee injury and has helped to inspire an upturn in fortunes.
Tiote played his part in victories over Norwich City and Bournemouth which helped lift Steve McClaren's side out of the relegation zone ahead of the international break.
Tiote - left out of the Ivory Coast squad for the forthcoming 2018 World Cup qualifiers with Liberia - says such reports do not worry him and that he is only focused on matters on the pitch.
"It didn't affect me, I know myself that I didn't do anything bad. Everybody at the club and my partner knows that," he told the Chronicle.
"I just do my best for the team, that is the most important thing. All I want is to see the team go forward and win games.
"I am a footballer and I have a job to do. I don't read too many newspapers. I just come in train hard, do my best for the team and if the manager gives the opportunity I will do my best in the games.
"Every player wants to play every week.
"It wasn't easy for me. But I know myself, and I know I have to do everything right and try to work hard to come back. That's what I was doing. Now I have to do the same things."
