Gael Bigirimana has admitted he has been taken aback by his 'ridiculous' start at Newcastle as the Magpies prepare for their Capital One Cup clash at Manchester United.
Moulding
Pardew has high hopes for Bigirimana, who turned in a mature individual display in last Thursday night's 0-0 Europa League draw with Maritimo in Madeira.
The manager will have midfield enforcer Cheick Tiote available on Wednesday night for the first time since he damaged a calf muscle against Tottenham on the opening day of the season.
Tiote is expected to play some part in the game, and whether he is on the pitch next to him or watching from the bench, Bigirimana will be under instructions to carefully study how he goes about his job.
Pardew said: "Obviously, I am moulding him very much around Cheick and saying, 'Learn as much as you can'.
"He is 18, Bigi, and he has got the best years, obviously, ahead of him. He couldn't learn from a better player than Cheick Tiote - and if he gets anywhere near him, we will be absolutely delighted."
The youngster will have a sizeable contingent of family and friends in the stands at Old Trafford as he attempts to put into practice the lessons he has learned during his first few months on Tyneside.
He said: "I have learned that by working hard, you get your rewards. I have seen all the top players at the club, in training it's always as if their life depends on it.
"That just shows me that for me to be where they are, every day I have got to work hard because the talent is there.
"As a kid, every footballer, you have your talent, but it's how your mentality goes, so I have learned to have a strong mentality and just to keep working harder and harder."
