Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear has highlighted the impact made by Fabricio Coloccini in his first season in England.

Kinnear said: "Fabricio's a top-class player, and I think he's been magnificent since I came here.

"I don't know how he was playing prior to me coming here, but he has been exceptional since I have arrived.

"I see all the qualities he has in training every day. He's quick, he reads the game well, he's strong in the air, and he has all the qualities of a top-class player.

"He and Steven Taylor are a fantastic pairing, and I'm very happy with them."