Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew says defender Fabricio Coloccini will be encouraged to step more often into midfield.
He has been impressed by the South American's displays this term in the Premier League.
And he says his forays out of defence could be a more frequent sight in the future.
Pardew told the Evening Chronicle: "He's a top, top player - I think most people can see that now.
"I think somewhere down the line, that might be a useful tool for us when we're a stronger side and teams start giving us respect and camping in our half, he can then step out and catch teams.
"We don't really get that. Teams come here and try to win.
"Hopefully, teams will come here to try to shut up shop, and when they do that, that feature Colo has of stepping out and having that quality might be a good feature for us."
