Alan Pardew believes Fabricio Coloccini could become a hero for Newcastle United.

The Argentine defender was installed as Magpies captain following the departure of Kevin Nolan in the summer, and he has been a key figure in their excellent start to the season.

Coloccini is out of contract in the summer of 2013, but Pardew has urged the 29-year-old to sign a new deal and lead United for the next three or four years.

"I admire him as much as a person as a player and there are not many players I would say that about. He's really fantastic, the perfect character to be captain of this club,” he said.

"I hope we get his new contract signed and he will be here as captain for the next three or four years because he is very influential in everything I want to do."

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