Pardew Tips Coloccini For World Cup Glory

Last updated : 09 February 2013 By Footy Mad - Editor

Coloccini told the club he wanted to return to Argentina over a personal issue, but the defender – who signed a four-year contract last season – wasn’t allowed to leave.

And his situation will be reviewed again in the summer.

He came on as a late substitute for Argentina in Wednesday's international against Sweden.

Alan Pardew: “I think he’s very, very happy to be part of that group again with the World Cup coming up.

“He’ll have a terrific chance of making the side.

“He missed out on the last international through injury, and that probably cost him his place.

“I’d rather he played three minutes than 90, but I’m sure Colo wouldn’t say that."