Hatem Ben Arfa has come back from injury fitter and stronger according to Newcastle boss Alan Pardew.
Toon boss sings the praises of his winger after a vintage display
Hatem Ben Arfa has come back from injury fitter and stronger according to Newcastle boss Alan Pardew.
The French midfielder marked his return from a 13-month lay-off after breaking his leg against Manchester City last season by lining up against them at the weekend.
And his all-action display at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday as his team tasted defeat for the first time this season left his boss purring.
"Hatem did some great stuff up front for us, but look at his work at the other end. There is no problem with that," said Pardew.
"He works really, really hard and I said to him, 'Coming into this team, the one thing the other players are wanting to see from you is energy' because that is what we have had all year.
"Every player who has come in has given me energy and he [Ben Arfa] did give me that - and extra quality.
"Hopefully he can take us forward. Actually coming out of this game, when we get everyone back, we could be a stronger side."
His side face another trip across the Pennines this weekend when they visit the red side of the city to take on the champions.
And Pardew is facing a selection headache with Cheick Tiote, Leon Best and Gabriel Obertan all likely to be fit again.
"We were without four at City, but my squad is definitely deeper than last year, without a shadow of doubt," he added.
"Cheick trained very well on Saturday morning. That's really great news for us. He would have been a player for us at Man City.
"I think he and Obertan will be available for Man United. I really hope so, it'll improve my options."
