Habib Beye says Newcastle United fans are now seeing the true value of Abdoulaye Faye.

"When Abdoulaye came to Newcastle, I told people that he would be an excellent defender and an excellent leader for the team," Beye, who knew exactly what Faye was capable of having played with him for Senegal for the last eight years, told The Journal. "In the last few weeks, I think you have been able to see exactly what I meant.

"He is a very good central defender and he has made a number of important tackles and headers in the last few matches. But he is also a leader at the back.

"He helps to make other players play better by leading them and telling them what to do. I think he will be our defensive leader for the rest of the season."