Alan Pardew has insisted that Fabricio Coloccini has a "great way of leading" at Newcastle United.
The defender, who is in his third season as the club's captain, joined the Magpies from Deportivo La Coruna in Spain in 2008, and recently made his 200th appearance for the side.
The manager told the London Evening Standard: "He's a terrific presence on the pitch, not only a leader of men but he has a great way of leading.
"He never looks ruffled and gives that assurance to the team. In a pride of lions, he is the lion sitting on the hill looking over his brood."
It has recently been reported that Coloccini will be out until Christmas with a thigh injury, although it has since been claimed that he could return sooner.
