Mathieu Debuchy: 'Newcastle United fans are fantastic'

Newcastle United defender Mathieu Debuchy has said that the club's supporters played a big part in helping him to settle in the North-East.

The French international, who joined from Lille in January, has recently been praised for his performances by manager Alan Pardew.

Debuchy has said that his good form is partly down to the support from Newcastle fans.

"The supporters have been absolutely fantastic. They welcomed me with open arms," he told the Newcastle Chronicle.

"To hear your name chanted during a game gives you a huge boost. Of course, the fans are very important, especially here at Newcastle. They are the 12th man on the pitch, as they say."

Debuchy has made 19 appearances for the Magpies.