Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew was delighted with Hatem Ben Arfa's progress last season.

His form helped the Magpies to a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League, and this week saw the mercurial attacking star selected for Laurent Blanc's European Championship squad.

And Pardew told the Evening Chronicle: "It's brilliant, I'm absolutely delighted for Hatem.

"I've worked closely with him all year trying to get the best out of him.

"Hopefully, he'll carry that form on, and we'll see him build on that next season."