Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew believes new signing Gael Bigirimana is an instant first teamer.

Talk of a return to Coventry City on-loan has so far been dismissed.

Pardew told the Evening Chronicle: "He's a young player but he has already had experience in the Coventry first team.

"Gael coming to us is a big step up in class - but he has got that potential. He's got great energy and great technical ability.

"And sometimes I'd rather take a player who has the potential and the experience than somebody who has no experience at all.

"This is a guy who is armed to threaten the players we have in our first team at the moment."