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Carver Buoyed By Captain Colo's Return
Written by Newcastle Utd
John Carver is delighted to have Fabricio Coloccini back in his ranks for Sunday's home fixture against Spurs
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
John Carver is delighted to have captain Fabricio Coloccini back in his ranks for Sunday's Barclays Premier League home fixture against Tottenham Hotspur (4pm kick-off).
The Argentine has missed United's last three games following a straight red card at Everton last month, having to watch defeats against Arsenal, Sunderland and Liverpool from the stands.
But he will lead out the Magpies at St. James' Park this weekend, and head coach Carver believes it will provide a huge boost as they look to put an end to a five-game losing streak.
"It's fantastic to have Colo back this weekend," Carver told nufc.co.uk.
"He's our captain, the leader of this football club and has been for a long time. Having him out there will give everyone - players and staff - a huge lift, and I'm sure we will get a huge performance out of him.
"Colo is a great presence in the dressing room and has brilliant leadership qualities on the pitch. He's a top player with huge experience that can help the younger players in the squad.
"He is an international who has played at the highest level and in the World Cup, so he has been there and done it in the game. He is great at taking players under his wing, and providing guidance and advice for anyone who needs it."
Although Coloccini will be wearing the armband on Sunday, Carver insists it is crucial that his senior players step up to the plate against Spurs
And looking around the dressing room, the head coach is in no doubt that he has a squad full of captains.
"We have a number of leaders in the squad, even if they aren't wearing the armband," continued Carver.
"Guys like Daryl Janmaat, Jack Colback, Moussa Sissoko and Tim Krul all have great leadership qualities, and that's not forgetting our two vice-captains - Cheick Tiote and Siem de Jong.
"They all have different qualities and different traits which they bring to the team that can help us.
"Gone are the days when your captain is simply just the loudest player - a shouter and baller - it is now about the group and having four or five people who take responsibility and drag you through, and I think we have got that.
"There are some good leaders in our dressing room and it is at a time like now that we need them. Everyone needs to be a captain."
Tickets are still available for Sunday's Premier League home game against Tottenham Hotspur. To secure your seat at St. James' Park, click here.