Newcastle United defender Fabricio Coloccini remains hopeful of winning a place in Argentina's World Cup squad.

He is convinced that his imminent return to the Premier League could prove decisive as Maradona ponders his final selection.

"It will be difficult, but I have never lost hope," Coloccini told the Sunday Sun.

"The first thing I needed to do was make things right for my club, and luckily, I have fulfilled the objectives that I set out for this season with Newcastle.

"That was down to the group of players here more than any individual, but I am happy and very calm about how I have been playing.

"What comes next, who knows? It's everyone's dream to play at a World Cup. If I can play in this one and help my country, what could be more proud?

"I am a proud Argentinian and I will make myself available for the international team until the day I die.

"But obviously, my aim now is to play in this World Cup."