Rozehnal was due to complete his Euros £2.6m move from Paris St Germain after successfully undergoing a medical and agreeing terms earlier this week.

The 26-year-old will be the first recruit to Sam Allardyce's new-look defence, and Srnicek, who made an emotional return to St James' Park for a short spell last season, is confident he has what it takes to succeed in the Barclays Premier League.

He said: "To tell the truth, I have not seen a lot of Rozehnal at club level, but I have seen a lot of him playing for the Czech Republic and I have to say I like the look of him.

"He has been the mainstay of our defence in the past couple of years and he is a very good defender.

"In fact in my opinion, he is just what Newcastle United need at the back for next season."

Rozehnal has flown back to the Czech Republic but will return in time for the club's pre-season training camp in Austria next month.

Srnicek became a crowd favourite during his two spells at St James' Park, and he believes Rozehnal can made a similar impact.

He said: "All I would say is for him to enjoy himself, just like I enjoyed myself in my two spells with Newcastle United.

"This is a great opportunity for him and he will know it. He will find like I did that the United supporters are top notch, and I hope that they are as good to him as they were to me."