Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has called on Hatem Ben Arfa to up his "energy" if the Frenchman is to secure his preferred role in the team.
Ben Arfa, 24, could be handed a starting role against QPR on Sunday, but has been urged by his boss to up his work rate.
"I am going to require more energy from [Ben Arfa] for that number ten role. The boy has talent. You only have to see him with the ball at his feet. But he needs to understand he must put in more effort for the role he wants," Pardew told The Mirror.
"He's not really a difficult character around the place, but he needs to understand we have got success here because of the commitment we put into training every day and into games. Sometimes I don't think he gets that."
Ben Arfa has made 17 appearances for the Magpies, scoring three goals.
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
