The French winger has produced NOTHING in the last couple of years but Pardew says he has shown some promise this summer.
Put on the transfer list last January ... no takers ... Newcastle are stuck with him.
Obertan created the own goal for ex-Mackem John Egan in the 1-0 win at Gillingham on Tuesday evening, when it could be argued "why didn't he find a Newcastle player?"
So if the Frenchman is as good as Pardew says ... WHY IS HE ON THE TRANSFER LIST?
Alan Pardew: “Sometimes at our ground it’s difficult for him, he has to play well at home.
“He had a little bit more freedom at Gillingham and I thought he showed some qualities.
“I think Gabby has been very good pre-season.
“It’s a bit like when we finished fifth when he started those first 10 games.
“If I can keep him where he is now, his confidence levels, he can win back the crowd.”