Moussa Sissoko is delighted with his role at Newcastle United.

France national team coach Didier Deschamps admitted this week that he was surprised to see a player who carved his reputation from being a defensive minded box-to-box player operating just behind the striker, as he did to such effect against Chelsea.

Sissoko revealed: "It was not a surprise to play in the No 10 role as I discussed this with the manager (Alan Pardew) when I first arrived. He told that would be my role in my first two matches.

"I had already played there with Toulouse so I knew the position and I did my best. I think playing there for Newcastle will help my progression.

"Toulouse is a good team with quality players, but offensively there were some difficulties - even if this season was better than the previous one.

"With Newcastle, the team is really more focused on going forward. It is better for me to show my qualities."