Newcastle United No2 John Carver says relegation was the best thing for Fabricio Coloccini.

The Argentina defender took on the captaincy following Kevin Nolan's move to West Ham United.

"I think when Coloccini came to the football club he had a bit of a rough time," he told The Journal.

"But when we went into the Championship he matured as a footballer and I think that stands him in good stead for what he's doing now.

"He's had to go into a very, very competitive division and passed that test with flying colours.

"He's now back in the Premier League and he's embraced what he's done in the Championship and we're reaping the benefits because of it."