Haidara's French Fancy

By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor

Massadio Haidara is backing hosts France to win the European Championships this summer.

The Trappes-born 23-year-old is hoping to step up his return from the knee injury which kept him out of last season's run in when the Newcastle United squad return to pre-season training but before that, he's looking forward to watching his country - and Club colleague Moussa Sissoko - in Euro 2016 action.

Les Bleus kick off the tournament against Romania at Stade de France on Friday evening and Haidara believes Didier Deschamps' side will be among the contenders to lift the Henri Delaunay Trophy.

"I think they have a chance," Haidara told nufc.co.uk. "Always, the country that hosts the tournament is a favourite but it will be hard because there will be so much competition.

"But I do think they have a chance, because they have a good team and some very good players. If they get to the semi-finals, it will be good but if they can win, it will be better."

Haidara, who grew up in the western suburbs of France's capital, joined Newcastle from Nancy in 2013 and has represented his country at under-19, under-20 and under-21 level.

"I'm from Paris and they have some games in Paris so I will try to watch one of them," he said.

"I will support France. I'm disappointed Hatem (Ben Arfa) is not in the squad - he had a very good season in France - but I'm happy because Moussa is.

"Whenever an international squad is announced, people will always have opinions. Some will be happy with the squad and some are not, but I think for Moussa he deserves it because he's been in the squad for a long time and when he's played, he's done well. That's why the manager calls him every time."

France's second game is against Albania on Wednesday and their final group match is against Switzerland on Sunday, 19th June.

You can read more about Massadio Haidara's injury comeback here