Former Newcastle United star Olivier Bernard is tipping big things for Romain Amalfitano.

The midfielder joined Newcastle yesterday from Riems.

Bernard told the Evening Chronicle: "I know Amalfitano well and he is a real talent. He's raw, but there is an awful lot of ability there so I'm glad Newcastle have signed him.

"My hope is that he can be as good as Cabaye and I believe he has a chance of doing that because he is similar in terms of his style of play.

"He is a great passer of the ball, very skilful, clever and likes to join in with the attack.

"But I believe that won't happen right away because he will need time to settle into his new surroundings and what is a big step up to the English Premier League from the French Second Division.

"If the fans show some patience then I'm confident he can be as good as Cabaye. It just might not happen right away."