Former Newcastle United midfielder David Ginola has hailed the impact made by fellow Frenchman Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa with the Magpies.

The introduction of the former Ligue 1 pair last summer has aided Newcastle's push towards European football this season, and Ginola has reiterated the importance of his fellow countrymen.

"Players like Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa were already well-known stars in France. It's no surprise that they are helping Newcastle push forward towards Europe," Ginola told reporters.

"Cabaye won the double last season with Lille and is a born winner. Hatem is an amazingly talented player from France who we all knew about. He is a player that can produce magic when nobody expects it. Fingers crossed, he will be on the plane with Les Bleus for Euro 2012."

Newcastle are currently fifth in the Premier League table.