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Captain Colo's Relishing His Return
Written by Newcastle Utd
Fabricio Coloccini cannot wait to pull on the black and white striped shirt again, and hopefully lead United back to winning ways
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Fit-again captain Fabricio Coloccini cannot wait to pull on the black and white striped shirt again, and hopefully lead Newcastle United back to winning ways.
The Argentine defender has been out of action since New Year's Day when he hobbled off at West Bromwich Albion with knee ligament damage but could return on Sunday when Aston Villa come to St. James' Park (1.30pm kick-off).
Coloccini admits it has been tough to watch his teammates pick up just three points from a possible 18 in his absence, as well as being knocked out of the FA Cup.
And, in his matchday programme notes for Sunday's fixture, the skipper spoke of his determination to help turn United's form on its head.
"After seven weeks out it is nice to finally be back," said Coloccini.
"I have been injured since New Year's Day and, during that time, it has been very difficult to watch the team's performances and results without being able to do anything about it.
"You want to help your teammates but you can do nothing and it gets very frustrating.
"But I am just pleased to be back now. It means that I can do my best on the training pitch and in matches to help the team and hopefully get us winning games again."
Despite the Magpies' recent run of results, Coloccini is convinced there is the quality in the St. James' Park dressing room to have an impressive end to the 2013/14 campaign.
"In every season, there are good times and bad times but we are a good team full of good players and we have to keep working hard and remain positive," he said.
"It does not help to spend too much time thinking about matches that have now gone. Instead, we have to look at the ones in front of us - the final 12 games of the season - and try to start picking up points again.
"That begins against Aston Villa."
To read Fabricio Coloccini's thoughts in full, buy Sunday's official matchday programme, which also includes interviews with Paul Dummett, Luuk de Jong, Papiss Cisse and Nolberto Solano among others. It is available for just £3 around the ground or by clicking here.