Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini is delighted to be proving himself Premier League class this season.

Coloccini's own form is proof that things can change, and he admits he never dreamt that he would be idolised at the club when he first arrived in 2008.

He picked up the Newcastle United Disabled Supporters' Association Player of the Year bauble this week, surely the first of many awards coming his way.

"I always knew my capacity and what I could do," he told the Evening Chronicle.

"I was not worried when things did not happen straight away but, to be honest, I never expected it to be this good.

"I am enjoying it more than ever at Newcastle. I am very happy that I'm making the fans happy."