Newcastle United have created a prayer room for their Muslim players.

The Mirror says Newcastle United provided the area for Muslim players to worship before matches.

An insider said: "We believe we now have more Muslims in our first team squad than any other team in the Premier League, so it is ­important to look after them.

"They have been using various rooms at the ground to worship before games. Now they will get a proper prayer room."

Seven first team stars - Papiss Cisse, Cheick Tiote, Hatem Ben Arfa, Massadio Haidara, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Moussa Sissoko and Mehdi Abeid - are devout followers of Islam.

And former striker Demba Ba, now with Chelsea, would often lead team-mates in prayer before games.

The insider added: "Prayer has become an ­important part of the build up to big games.

"Demba was the most devout of all the players. He would regularly pray before big games, and be joined by team-mates. It helped build a bond between them."