• Capital One Cup

Coloccini back to face United

ESPN staff
September 25, 2012
Fabricio Coloccini is set to return to the Newcastle back line to face Manchester United © Getty Images
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Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini is set to return to the side for Wednesday's Capital One Cup tie against Manchester United.

Coloccini, 30, suffered an injury while on international duty with Argentina, but Alan Pardew has confirmed the defender is expected to start for the Magpies when they visit Old Trafford.

"It's great news for us having him available again. His influence in the dressing room is so calming," Pardew told the Journal newspaper. "He gives us an assurance really and I think we have missed that.

"As well as the two centre-halves have done - and they have both been terrific, two clean sheets in last two games, they really have played well and I could not have asked for more in his absence - it is just nice having him back in a lot of ways."

The news comes after confirmation that Ivory Coast international Cheik Tiote is also set to start at Old Trafford as he steps up his fitness bid following a calf injury.

"It is difficult to sum up in words what an impact that has," Pardew said. "It is a huge presence for the team and some of our rhythm is gained by having someone like Cheik in the side.

"He can put the opposition on the back foot. He brings a level to training that a few more players could do in my experience, a level of intensity about winning that he showed in all the wrong ways on Sunday, but that's him. He is very important to us. There is no doubt in my mind - if he is fit, he plays in this team."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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