Obertan vows to deliver

Gabriel Obertan, Newcastle United

Gabriel Obertan is pledging to show Newcastle fans what he can do after a disappointing second half of last season.

The former France Under 21 international was hampered by toe and muscle injuries, after starting the season as a regular in Alan Pardew’s line-up.

But now that he has regained his fitness he thinks he can prove to be an asset to the side. Obertan told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle: “I am looking forward to finding some rhythm and coming back fully fit.

“I showed last season I can play different positions when needed. But you just want to play your part no matter where that is.

“You are always looking to improve and catch the manager’s eye.”

And Pardew has issued the 23-year-old with a challenge, saying he thinks that Obertan, along with Sylvain Marveaux, can be stars of the side in the coming season.

“I’m expecting Gabby Obertan and Sylvain Marveaux to be back and raring to go,” Pardew said last week.

“They are two players that can have big seasons for us next year.”

It is a challenge Obertan is relishing, as the Frenchman added: “As a first-team player you have to prove all the time what you can do in front of the manager.

“No matter if that’s in training, friendly games, reserve games or first team.”