Habib Beye says Sebastien Bassong is the future of Newcastle United's defence.

"I knew about Sebastien before he signed from watching the French league and he was a promising young player for FC Metz," the former Marseille skipper told nufcTV.

"I try to help Sebastien because he is young and it is his first year in a new country.

"But I think he has shown his quality and has been one of our best players this season.

"And if he continues to develop like he has he will be a big leader for the team."