• Premier League

Pardew challenges Ben Arfa

ESPN staff
August 7, 2012
Alan Pardew has laid down a challenge to Hatem Ben Arfa © Getty Images
Enlarge

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has urged Hatem Ben Arfa to show the French Football Federation just how good he is in a Magpies shirt.

The winger endured a difficult time at this summer's European Championships, where he was afforded few minutes to impress during the tournament - leading him to fall out with former France coach Laurent Blanc in the process.

"He's been very smiley still. These things can happen at international level," Pardew told the Evening Chronicle. "I don't think Hatem was too impressed with the experience he had there."

"Good - now show them how good you are with Newcastle."

Along with Samir Nasri, Ben Arfa was brought in front of a disciplinary panel following the tournament and now faces the difficult task of impressing new France coach Didier Dischamps - with whom he endured a difficult relationship when the pair worked together at Marseille.

The Magpies travel to Hartlepool United on Tuesday for a pre-season friendly, with Ben Arfa's inclusion described as a 'possibility'.

The 25-year-old has yet to feature in any of Newcastle's pre-season fixtures, but will be hoping to start against Tottenham in just under a fortnight's time.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices