Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has again defended the number of French players in his squad.
There were no fewer than NINE French players in the Magpies' matchday squad for the 5-1 home Boxing Day thrashing of Stoke City.
And 26 of their 29 Premier League goals this season have come from Frenchmen.
Pardew said: "A lot of the French players we've introduced have been because of market forces.
"I think that was why France was Arsene Wenger's first port of call when he arrived at Arsenal. He thought he got better value from that particular market.
"I'm very disappointed that I don't have more British-based players in my squad - I want more.
"But I can't argue with my French contingent because they've been absolutely brilliant."
