Newcastle manager Alan Pardew says Yohan Cabaye’s impressive form vindicates the club for denying the Frenchman a move in the summer.
The Magpies claimed back-to-back wins over Chelsea and Tottenham before the international break and return to Premier League action on Saturday with Norwich City the visitors to St James’ Park.
Pardew’s men are brimming with confidence and the manager believes that French midfielder Cabaye’s presence will be key to registering another three points.
“Yohan’s performance this week [for France against Ukraine] has validated what we did in the summer in not letting him go,” he said.
“I went to see Portugal and one or two of their players went for big, big money and I don’t think they are as good as Yohan.
“Yohan proved that on Tuesday night – ‘Le Petit Prince’, he was called the next day in L’Equipe, and that’s what he was. He’s a fantastic player.”
Newcastle have moved into the top half of the Premier League table after a slow start to the season and, with matches against Norwich and West Brom coming up, Pardew’s man could be into the top six before the end of the month.
The Magpies boss knows the importance of being high in the table during January when the uncertainty of the transfer window can derail clubs – or provide a huge boost if they recruit the right players.
He added: “It’s important that we keep our results strong for keeping our players in January, but also to attract maybe one or two new ones.”
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