Alan Pardew backs Fabricio Coloccini to find form

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew believes that captain Fabricio Coloccini will rediscover his best form next season.

The 32-year-old defender, who made 27 Premier League starts for the club this term, insisted last month that he would be staying with the Magpies this summer.

Pardew has said that the Argentinian is a key member of his squad at St James' Park.

"I think that core leadership of having [Coloccini] here is important," the Sunderland Echo quotes Pardew as saying.

"He is our captain and he's had to do a tough job this year when we've felt down and been a bit negative with ourselves.

"He's been important. We all know if he plays like he did against Cardiff - and gets back to that level - we've got a top player."

Newcastle finished 10th in the final Premier League table.