Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton insists Kevin Nolan is the right man for their free role behind the strikers.
There have been calls from some to give new boy Hatem Ben Arfa more of a free role for the trip to Manchester City.
But Hughton rejects that point of view, and retains the utmost faith in key man Nolan.
"Kevin is a big, big player for us. He is key to what we do," Hughton told The Journal.
"What he does for us is play in the important role either off the front man or in the midfield and he will always get into goalscoring positions - that is what makes him important.
"Even in a very tight game against Stoke, he was in that position to get our best opportunity of the second half. I have no worries about a player like Kevin."
