Didier Drogba: “Cheik is a very good player, he played very well against us at St James’ Park and did well for his team.
“For the Ivory Coast he is a very important player for us as people saw in the World Cup for our national team.
“I think Newcastle United supporters have only seen half of his potential so far.
“You have only seen half the player.
“I say that because the more he plays in the Premier League at first-team level the better he will become.
“I think he is going to go on and be one of the strongest players in this league.
“I have to say that physically he is a bit stronger than me.
“And that means he will a lot better for it.
“Newcastle well and truly have a star player on their hands and the fans should be pleased.”