CHEICK Tioté has issued an apology for "costing" Newcastle United a Wear-Tyne derby win last month - but insists he won't change his combative style to beat the prospect of more bans.

Tioté has one of the worst disciplinary records in the Premier League and is two games into a three-match domestic suspension which has caused headaches for Alan Pardew.

The boss has warned his Ivorian midfielder he needs to avoid needless bookings, but while Tioté is adamant he will clean up his act he won’t do it at the expense of the all-action style which has made him one of the most effective players in the top flight.

Tioté is all set to start for United in their Europa League clash with Club Brugge tonight, with Newcastle fully aware a win is likely to seal their progress into the knockout stages.

His recall coincided with his first interview since a red card at Sunderland left him heartbroken and blaming himself for Newcastle failing to pick up all three points at the Stadium of Light.

Tioté told The Journal: “I have to forget about the sending-off in the derby.

“Of course it hurt, but it’s over, it’s finished and I have to concentrate on how I can help the team.

“It has been difficult to forget about it and to move on. It’s hard but I think I will be okay.

“I am very sorry for the sending-off and I want to put performances in for the supporters. If we had finished the game with 11 players then we would have won the derby.

“I didn’t need the manager to talk to me about my disciplinary record after that because I know I have picked up too many yellow cards.

“I know I have to be careful but it is my style and I cannot change my style.

“I need to be a lot more careful over some of the bookings that I pick up, but I will not change my style of play.

“It will get better – I know it will get better.”

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