Babayaro has been told to 'raise his game' for Newcastle United

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce sent out the warning after unveiling Cameroon defender Geremi, as his latest defensive signing.

"Babayaro did not figure that much last year, but I want to help him compete more," Allardyce said.

"We can help him become fitter, stronger and better so he can take part more in the last year of his contract."

The Newcastle manager signed Cameroon international Geremi on a free transfer from Chelsea and Czech Republic international centre-back David Rozehnal from Paris St Germain in a bid to rebuild his defence.

However, Allardyce maintains there could still be room for the Nigerian left-back Babayaro, whose days at St James' Park had appeared to be numbered.

Allardyce said: "We will continue to move forward in the defensive areas.

"We have got few defenders at the club because I let go one or two who were out of contract.

"That has left a big hole in that area and we have got to fill it with the best quality players we can find.