Captain Cabaye: 'My Pride'

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Yohan Cabaye revealed his pride at leading out Newcastle United for the first time away at Swansea on Saturday.

But the French midfielder would have swapped the captain's armband for all three points at the Liberty Stadium.

A late striker from Swans substitute Luke Moore condemned the Magpies to only their second defeat in seven games, but it could have been very different had the visitors taken some of the numerous chances which came their way during the second half in South Wales.

One of those fell to Cabaye, who saw his stunning long-range effort tipped onto the crossbar by home keeper Michel Vorm, and that would have put the seal on a memorable day for the former Lille man.

Named United skipper in the absence of the injured Fabricio Coloccini, Cabaye admits the role is something relatively new, but relished every minute - apart from the result.

"It means a lot, because in my career this is probably only about the fifth time it has happened," the midfield maestro told nufc.co.uk.

"For me it was fantastic, especially to receive the confidence from the manager for this role. It is a big thing.

"But nothing changed for me. I stayed relaxed, focussed and I didn't want to be different just because I was captain.

"It was an honour for me but the main thing is the result and for my first time as Newcastle captain I lost the game. That is very disappointing."

Having struggled to get to grips with Swansea in the first period, the Magpies came out after the break a different side, with Moussa Sissoko, Mathieu Debuchy, Yoan Gouffran and Cabaye all going close.

And United's captain believes there is plenty to be positive about as they head into a busy week which sees a Europa League tie against Anzhi followed by Stoke City in the Premier League.

"We did the right things, especially in the second half, and we played well," said Cabaye.

"But at the end we lost the game because we conceded a silly goal.

"It was hard to begin with because they were at home and wanted to press us very high and play quickly.

"The second half, though, was very good for us because we played in their half, we kept the pressure on them and created good chances to score.

"Unfortunately we didn't manage that but we have to stay focused on the next games and keep working hard. We have got an important couple of matches which everyone is looking forward to."

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