Nikos will return to St James Park on Saturday only to watch the game from the stands, as Newcastle asked for a term in his contract that will prevent him from facing them.

He said: 'I am a bit disappointed not to play, but there is nothing I can do about it. I would have loved to play in front of all the United fans. They have always been great and supported the team. I will certainly be at the ground to watch the game, but watching can not really be compare to being on the pitch. As far as the game is concerned, I am sure it is going to be a very difficult one. We need every point we can get and St James is not a place where you can easily get them!

Nikos continued: 'Against Aston Villa although we had a good first half, 20 minutes were enough for disaster to strike. They had 5 chances in 20 minutes and they managed to convert all of them to goals. It does not happen often, but it does happen. I hope February will prove to be a bit luckier for us than January did!'