Newcastle United’s Mo Diame has claimed the club needs to “stick together” in order to gain promotion to the Premier League, reports the Sunderland Echo.

The marauding midfielder has recently returned from the African Cup of Nations, where his Senegal side were knocked out on penalties, in the quarter-finals by Cameroon.

While the former Wigan and West Ham midfielder says he has put that disappointment behind him and is looking to help fire Rafa Benitez’s side to promotion from the Sky Bet Championship, hopefully sealing a quick-fire return to the English elite for those on Tyneside.

Benitez’s side moved back to the top of the Championship on Saturday, following a 1-0 victory over Derby County.

29-year old Diame made his comeback during this game, playing in an attacking midfield role, supporting lone striker Aleksander Mitrovic and particularly impressed ahead of the divisive Ayoze Perez.

Newcastle failed to add to their squad during the transfer window, despite Benitez stating he wanted to. Still, Diame told the Sunderland Echo:

“The transfer window is now closed and we need to stick together and make sure we work hard.

“If we want to get promoted, we will need everyone. Maybe some players who didn’t play a lot in the first half of the season will make the difference at the end.”

He has made an impact at St James' Park following his move from Hull City last summer, making 25 appearances for Newcastle this season, finding the net five times.

Benitez takes his side to Molineux on Saturday evening for a clash with Paul Lambert’s Wolves side.

Christian Atsu is expected to be available for the weekend’s clash following his return from AFCON duty with Ghana.

Newcastle fans… Are you happy to have Diame and Atsu back available for selection? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!