Alan Pardew has praised the contribution of Fabricio Coloccini to Newcastle United in the past few weeks. The Argentina stopper scored Newcastle's opener and Pardew labelled him the 'stand-out player' in the game after the full-time whistle at St James' Park.

Coloccini was much-maligned following the team's relegation from the Premier League in 2009 but the 29-year-old has gone from strength to strength since and is now an integral part of their squad.

The former Deportivo La Coruna ace was delighted to win praise from Pardew and he is full of respect for the ex-Southampton and Charlton manager's opinion.