Coloccini welcomes United defensive battle
FABRICIO Coloccini's relishing competition from Sol Campbell for a Newcastle United starting place.
Campbell – who made his debut in a reserve derby at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night – is hoping to be involved in the Premier League game against Blackpool a week on Saturday.
The 35-year-old is close to full fitness after coming through an intensive programme at the club's Benton HQ.
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Campbell will be competiting with Coloccini and his central defensive partner Mike Williamson for a place in Chris Hughton's side.
And Coloccini is confident the extra competition from the former Arsenal and England defender will bring the best out of him and Williamson.
"Sol has been a great signing for Newcastle," Coloccini told the Gazette. "All of the players we have signed are good for us, because they want to help the club, but they also keep up the fight for competition.
"Competition's good because it means that nobody can afford to relax. There are no longer automatic choices here."
Coloccini and his colleagues will be looking to build on a promising start to the season against Blackpool, having taken four points from their opening three games back in the division.
"We have had a good start and we have to continue like this," added the 28-year-old
"What will be important for us is that we have to fight for every position.
"Every player has to be at their best, and that can only benefit the team. We won't be looking at the league table for a long time yet."
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Weather for Jarrow
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Heavy sleet
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