Geordie legend Chris Waddle admits he remains unconvinced by Newcastle United star Hatem Ben Arfa.

The player goes into the crucial last week of pre-season out of condition and behind his team-mates when it comes to fitness.

Waddle told the Evening Chronicle: "Ben Arfa can be a frustrating player. I think he showed that at the European Championships where he didn't pull any trees up.

"He can have moments of brilliance, which we saw at Newcastle, he can have good spells, he can score a wonder goal or do a little dribble that gets the fans on their feet.

"I know the Geordie fans love entertainers.

"But what he has struggled with throughout his career is consistency.

"That is why he's in the team some weeks and others he's not."