Coloccini calls for more of the same

Newcastle skipper Fabricio Coloccini is hoping for more of the same next season after leading his side back into Europe.

The 30-year-old Argentina international, who committed his future to the club by signing a new four-year deal in March, starred as the Magpies exceeded all expectations to secure a fifth-place finish in the Barclays Premier League.

He told the club's official website: "I enjoyed it, especially because we got qualification for the Europa League. For me that was very important. Overall, it was a consistent season. I think a lot of teams found it tough to beat us and that was important. Next season, we will try and do the same."

Coloccini's own performances won him a place in the Professional Footballers' Association's Premier League team of the year, but one game in particular stood out for him.

He said: "I think Manchester United at home was my favourite game. We played with our fans behind us and gave to them a 3-0 win and three points, so I think that was the highlight."