Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew is convinced that Hatem Ben Arfa should be rewarded for a fine Premier League season with a place in France’s Euro 2012 squad this summer.
The youngster has been influential in Newcastle’s fantastic campaign that has seen them sit 4th in the table with just a few games to go.
A highlight for him was the fine goal during a 2-0 victory over Bolton earlier this month and it was after this game that Pardew put forward the case for Ben Arfa to be handed an international call-up in time to be involved in the euro12 betting odds.
He said: “Sometimes you need that one player who has magic in his feet and that was a great goal. It was an individual goal that not many players could score. Not many players have been blessed with the talent that Hatem has.”
“The French manager should take note and we [England] should take note if we come across him in the Championships.”
Perhaps Ben Arfa needs another high-profile performance or two to get his seat on the plane for Poland and Ukraine this summer.
After a hugely disappointing World Cup for France, they need a much better showing in the European Championship and perhaps a young talent like Ben Arfa can help them approach the tournament positively.
In other Newcastle news, another star of their season – Cheick Tiote – has revealed that he has no intention to leave the club despite inevitable interest from several big clubs this summer.
The midfielder said: “I’m a Newcastle player – my future is at Newcastle.
I have to finish this season strongly and help the team get into Europe. We have a good opportunity to play in the Champions League.”
Newcastle are next in action when they take on Wigan at the DW Stadium this weekend.
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