Despite making his first team return during the weekend's 1-1 home draw with West Brom, Papiss Cisse is still not fit enough to start a game in the Premier League. That's according to John Carver, at least. The Magpies had missed their top goalscorer over the previous eight games following his extended ban for allegedly spitting at Manchester United's Jonny Evans. Given the fact that Emmanuel Riviere is STILL looking for his first Premier League goal, you would have been forgiven for thinking that Carver would have stuck Cisse back in the firing line at the earliest possible opportunity. However, the Senegalese hitman had surgery to clean out his troublesome knee during his break from the first team so isn't 100% fit. Asked about Cisses fitness ahead of the QPR game, Carver told The Shields Gazette: He wont be ready to start. Do not fear Newcastle fans, as the self proclaimed 'best coach in the Premier League' reserved special praise for Riviere, who is all fairness, has took his performances on another level in recent weeks. Not that could have been much worse beforehand, mind you. Carver said: I have to give special praise for Manu, I thought he was excellent as a lone striker, But I just took a little gamble (to bring on Cisse), because hes finding it hard to find the back of the net. His work rate for the team is fantastic, but I just thought Papiss might give us something special. Unfortunately, it didnt. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
