Cisse determined to repay fans

Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse says he wants to repay the ‘love and respect’ shown to him by the club’s fans with his performances.

Newcastle sit fourth in the Premier League thanks in no small part to Cisse’s 11 goals in 10 games since a January move from Freiburg.

While the 26-year-old is enjoying the reception he has received from the club’s supporters, he is wary of celebrating Champions League qualification too early, with a number of crucial games still to play.

Cisse told Sky Sports News: “The fans of Newcastle show me a lot of love and respect. It is important I return that respect by giving my all for them on the football field.

“The attention off the field is nice, but my focus is football. It is the right thing for us not to get ahead of ourselves.

“It is a bit of a cliche, but we really are just taking each game as it comes and we will see where we finish at the end of the season.

“But, of course, the Champions League would be nice.”