Fabricio Coloccini 'told to fight for Newcastle United first-team place'

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has suggested that Fabricio Coloccini will have to compete for his place in the first team.

The Argentinian has recovered from a groin problem, but Pardew has opted to keep Mike Williamson and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa in central defence.

"The other two centre-halves have done terrific," Pardew told the Shields Gazette. "As a manager, you've got to reward players who do well."

The pair featured in the Magpies' 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.