Soccer Globe

JONAS GUTIERREZ has backed Fabricio Coloccini to become a Newcastle United hero.

For the Argentinian has revealed that fellow countryman Coloccini was one of his most feared opponents during their time playing in La Liga.

And he feels the cultured defender can help to stabilise Newcastle’s much- scrutinised back four.

Gutierrez teamed up with Coloccini earlier this summer when Argentina held Brazil to a 0-0 draw in their own backyard.

The winger told the Chronicle: “I have played with him for Argentina and against him when I was at Real Mallorca and he played for Depor.

“He is respected in Argentina and in La Liga.

“He’s a very good player and now it’s good that he is to become a Newcastle player.

“I will be happy to be on his side now and not playing against him as he is one of the toughest opponents I have faced.”

And Gutierrez is backing his manager’s judgement as he bids to complete the signing of former Villarreal, AC Milan and Alaves player.

He said: “Fabricio will be a very good signing for us, very good indeed.”

Gutierrez has only made three friendly appearances for United since signing from Mallorca, but already he has won the crowd over with his work-rate.

And they will be even more impressed by the player’s determination to try to build St James’s Park back into the fortress it once was.

Newcastle refused to throw in the towel against Valencia, and the 26-year-old has insisted the never-say-die attitude will continue as long as he has something to do with it.

He added: “Valencia was a massive result for us.

“Away teams are going to feel that pressure when they come to St James’s Park this season – we will keep going forward.

“We must stay in a good condition to do that and work hard in training.

“There are often late goals in football these day

Source – ChronicleLive