Newcastle vs Leicester City - McClaren: Moussa Sissoko fine to face Foxes

Posted Sunday, November 22, 2015 by PA

Newcastle manager Steve McClaren insists Moussa Sissoko is in the "right frame of mind" to play against Leicester on Saturday despite the recent terror attacks in France.

Sissoko was on the bench in France's 2-0 win over Germany which was overshadowed by the deadly events in Paris last Friday.

The French national anthem will be observed ahead of each Barclays Premier League match this weekend in tribute to the 129 people who were killed, while players will also wear black armbands.

But McClaren believes Sissoko, despite being shaken by the events, is ready to play.

"Moussa has been fine and he's in the right frame of mind to play," insisted McClaren ahead of their match against the high-flying Foxes at St James' Park.

"It shook him, but we've spoken to him and consulted him on what's happening tomorrow."

Sissoko, who featured as a late substitute for Les Bleus against England in midweek, is one of seven French players in Newcastle's squad, and McClaren revealed they are helping each other come to terms with the traumatic attacks on their country.

"They're dealing with it amongst themselves," said McClaren. "They come together and share a lot of things together as they have shared the grief over what happened last weekend.

"It's a case of showing solidarity and hopefully the game will honour those who died in Paris. What happened over the weekend is unique and should bring everybody together because it's a world issue."

Newcastle will be looking to secure their first back-to-back victories in almost a year after their 1-0 win at Bournemouth ahead of the international break.

They face a Leicester side who are third in the table and a striker in Jamie Vardy who could match Ruud van Nistelrooy's record of scoring in 10 consecutive Premier League games.

But Vardy, who missed both of England's friendly matches against Spain and France with a hip injury, is a doubt for Leicester's trip to the north east.

And asked if he would be happy if Vardy fails to play, McClaren replied: "Absolutely, and we'll be honest about that.

"We have to be prepared for him to play but if he doesn't we know that Leicester have got some very good players in addition to Vardy.

"He's a player I came across when I was at Derby. To come through from non-league, to keep the belief and keep going like he has shows that it can be done. It shows what you can achieve if you never give up, never stop trying and never stop believing.

"With the right breaks you can make it, and he's a perfect example of that."

Gokhan Inler is happy at Leicester and is in no rush to leave the King Power Stadium.

Press Association Sport understands the Switzerland skipper is prepared to fight for his place at the Foxes but recognises he needs to play ahead of Euro 2016.

The midfielder joined the Foxes from Napoli in the summer but has made just two league starts for the in-form side.

Reports suggested Inler would look for a loan move in January but that is not set in stone and it is understood the player is relaxed about his situation and appreciates boss Claudio Ranieri's position.

Inler's situation is likely to be assessed as the season pans out and the 31-year-old, who signed a three-year deal in the summer, remains committed to the Foxes.

Danny Drinkwater and N'Golo Kante have kept Inler on the bench with Leicester third in the Barclays Premier League.

He signed as a replacement for Esteban Cambiasso but his last league appearance came in the 2-2 draw at Stoke in September.

Switzerland qualified for Euro 2016 behind England in Group E and Inler scored in their 7-0 win over San Marino in October which booked their place in France.

Leicester go to Newcastle on Saturday and will go top with victory, if Arsenal drop points at West Brom, ahead of Manchester City's late game with Liverpool.