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Rafa Benitez has hailed the role of Cheick Tiote during Newcastle United’s late rally to avoid the drop in the Premier League.

The battling midfielder won his place back last month after Jonjo Shelvey was dropped and Tiote has formed a solid rearguard in front of the back four with Jack Colback during the club’s four-match unbeaten run.

Tiote was due to leave the club before a move to the Chinese Premier League collapsed earlier this year after Shanghai Shenhua pulled out of a deal for the Ivory Coast international. However, Benitez has been delighted with the 29-year-old since handing him a return to first team action.

Benitez told the Chronicle: “He’s been really good for us. We needed somebody with his style of football. We needed somebody with his character and his aggression.

“He is competitive, he can challenge and tackle players well. I think he’s been an inspiration for the other players.”

Tiote spoke recently of his failed move to China and was grateful for a second chance at United.

He told the Mirror: “No, I am not surprised I am here. If something happens it happens, if it doesn’t it doesn’t.

“You just have to forget it and get on with it and focus on Newcastle. I am glad I still have the chance to help the club stay up.

“It would be really sad to see Newcastle in the Championship because it is a massive club. That is why we fight to stay up.”