Jonas Gutierrez admits Newcastle United need skipper Fabricio Coloccini to return to shore up their leaky defence.

Gutierrez is convinced that the return of his compatriot will provide a significant boost.

He said: "He [Coloccini] is really important for us. They players who have been playing in that position have been really great, James Perch and Mike Williamson.

"They have done fantastically well during the time that Colo was injured. But always it is important to have the captain back.

"He is really important for the team and for the squad. We need players for the next few weeks, which are going to be tough, so it's really important to have those players back."