Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton believes that Fabricio Coloccini can return strongly from the World Cup disappointment. Unlike Newcastle United team-mate Jonas Gutierrez, the defender didn't make Diego Maradona's final Argentina squad for South Africa, despite a superb campaign in the Championship.

Manager Chris Hughton felt for the 28-year-old, who had been hopeful of forcing his way into Maradona's plans, despite not playing in the Premier League.

However, the upside is Coloccini, has had a summer's rest – and Hughton is confident he can again be a rock in defence this coming season, and banish memories of a shaky first season in the top flight after his £10m move from Deportivo La Coruna.

"I felt for him not being included in the World Cup squad," Hughton told the Gazette, from the Everton Hospitality lounge.

"What was Jonas's joy, was Fabricio's disappointment.

"That was a shame, but the benefit for us is that he'll be fresh after the summer. There wasn't a threat of injury.

"He'll be very much looking forward to it. He's been here for another year, and he has more knowledge of the English game.

"He'll be a very important player for us next season, as he was last season."

While Fabricio Coloccini returned for pre-season training this week, Gutierrez – who made three World Cup appearances – is not due back on Tyneside until later this month.

Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini admits he only learnt of his omission from Argentina's World Cup squad through the media.

Coach Diego Maradona confirmed his final 23-man line-up for South Africa on Thursday after dropping seven players from his provisional squad of 30.

And 28-year-old Coloccini says the Argentina coaching staff failed to inform him that he did not make the cut.

"These decisions of the coach must be respected, and it's not only me who has been left out, but many players," Coloccini told the Evening Chronicle.

"But no-one from the coaching staff contacted me to tell me.

"Once I get beyond this hard time, I will be Argentina's number one fan, and I hope we come out champions.

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Fabricio Coloccini is sweating on his World Cup finals fitness after he was almost certainly ruled out for the rest of Newcastle’s Championship season.

The Argentina international has a hamstring injury and is out of Monday’s visit to Plymouth.

He is also likely to miss the two remaining games against Ipswich Town and QPR as he looks to preserve his fitness for the summer finals in South Africa.

Coloccini was absent from Sunday’s eight hour coach journey from Tyneside to Devon.

CHRIS HUGHTON has described Jonas Gutierrez and Fabricio Coloccini as key figures in Newcastle United’s quest to bring Premier League football back to St James’ Park.

The Toon boss believes the pair’s international and La Liga experience is shining through in the Coca-Cola Championship, and feels the Argentinian duo will continue to get better as the season goes on.

Both were linked with moves away from Tyneside in the summer but remained in Newcastle when the transfer window slammed shut.

However, after being told by Diego Maradona that only poor form would stop them featuring in the World Cup Finals next summer in South Africa, and not the fact they are playing second-tier football, the pair have responded with some steady performances in the Toon team.

Indeed Jonas already knows he will be adding to his Air Miles next summer, while Coloccini will be hoping to join him after returning from a groin problem.

Hughton told the Chronicle: “I think there will be a lot more to come from them both.

“What Jonas is, is a top-quality player.

“I think with all players you have your highs and lows.

“And he has had the emotions of going away with Argentina.

CHRIS HUGHTON has hailed the return of £10m defender Fabricio Coloccini.

The Argentine international was often weighed down by his transfer tag last season as he struggled to adapt to the English game following his switch from La Liga.

Coloccini returned against Sheffield United after a month’s absence with a groin injury sustained at Portman Road against Ipswich in the 4-0 rout of Roy Keane’s side, and Hughton told the Chronicle: “He was important in that run of clean sheets earlier in the season.

“He’s a quality player. This is a player, along with Jonas, who is a top-class international.

“Colo forged a formidable partnership with Steven Taylor during that run.

“And included in that were a few clean sheets.

“The quality is there for all to see this season

JONAS GUTIERREZ is confident that his fellow countryman Fabricio Coloccini can come out of the cold tonight at Bramall Lane and be a steadying influence in the Toon back four.

United have been without the Argentina international since the 4-0 win at Ipswich Town in September, where the player picked up a groin problem.

The £10m man returns to the fray with Zurab Khizanishvili banned after his red card horror against Doncaster and could partner Hungarian Tamas Kadar in the heart of defence.

Jonas told the Chronicle today: “Colo is a top-class, experienced player.

“It’s very important to have Colo in the defence.

“The players are suited to Colo when he plays.

“We have other options, but Colo is an experienced player, and it’s good to have him back.”

His defending can be every bit as hair-raising as his appearance, but Fabricio Coloccini has developed into something of a cult hero at Newcastle United. Chief Sports Writer Scott Wilson met the Argentinian to discuss responsibility, relegation and ringlets.

GIVEN that his failure to converse freely in English prevents him from conducting many interviews, there are so many questions you want to ask of Fabricio Coloccini when you finally get an opportunity to sit next to him.

What does a £10m defender feel about playing in the Championship? How has a flamboyant South American adapted to life on the banks of the Tyne? What is it like to work with the legendary Diego Maradona?

For a minute or two, though, all of that can wait.

First and foremost, it’s time to talk about hair.

Half Brian May from Queen, half Sideshow Bob from The Simpsons, Coloccini boasts the most extravagant haircut in English football. It’s long, it’s blonde and it’s curly, but incredibly it might also one day disappear.

Not to celebrate Newcastle’s return to the Premier League – in Coloccini’s eyes, that is a minimum requirement this season. But if the Magpies were to one day return to the Champions League, the perm would perish. A place in the top four, and the most famous curls in football would hit the floor.

FABRICIO COLOCCINI is poised to make his return from a groin injury to bolster Chris Hughton's side for the trip to face Sheffield United.

And Hughton is still hoping that Steven Taylor can also make a return from a hamstring problem that has left him without his influential centre-back during the season's worst run of results.

The Argentine has returned to full training after sustaining a groin injury in the 4-0 win at Ipswich Town in September.

Hughton told the Chronicle today: “Coloccini trained yesterday, so unless he breaks down, we’re confident he’ll be fit.

CHRIS Hughton believes Fabricio Coloccini has shown he has come to terms with the pace of the English game following a series of impressive performances in the Championship.

On one hand, an Argentina international who cost more than £10m just over a year ago should have no problems playing in the second tier of English football.

However, it is normal for foreign players – particularly defenders – to need considerable time to adapt to the frenetic and direct nature of football in this country – and Coloccini has been no different.

Like countryman Jonas Gutierrez and fellow Spanish speaker Jose Enrique, Coloccini has shown a willingness to put last season’s wrongs right by staying to try and help take Newcastle back into the Premier League.

The rebuilding of his reputation is shown by the fact his return from injury is a massive relief for Hughton, and he should be warmly