6 August 2012 21:12
Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is delighted that Fabricio Coloccini has been recalled to the Argentina squad.
Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella named Coloccini in the squad for the friendly against Germany in Frankfurt on August 15, just three days before Newcastle’s first Premier League fixture of the new campaign.
The former AC Milan centre-back has not played for his country since the 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland nearly two years ago, and Pardew is pleased that the 30-year-old’s consistent displays at the heart of the Magpies defence are finally being rewarded.
“We all know at Newcastle how good he is and he should never have been out of the Argentinian squad,” Pardew told nufcTV.
“They’ve got a new manager and probably that’s something to do with it.
“It’s difficult for us because he’s going to have to do a lot more travelling but on a personal level I’m absolutely delighted for him.”
Further games could be added to Coloccini’s schedule with Newcastle’s upcoming campaign in the Europa League.
Pardew’s team qualified for the tournament by finishing fifth last season.