Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has said that new signing Jack Colback will be an important figure in the side next season.

The 24-year-old midfielder joined the Magpies from arch rivals Sunderland on a free transfer a fortnight ago.

Pardew believes that Colback's competitive nature will be an asset to his team.

"I think he's an important player," Pardew told the Sunderland Echo. "One criticism of the team last season was when we went behind – we couldn't turn that into a winning situation.

"Jack's the sort of player who's important when you go behind. He has that inner determination, drive and fight in him. He's always competitive."

Colback came through the ranks at Sunderland before making his debut for the club in 2008.