Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew expects a huge boost once Siem de Jong returns to full fitness.

The 25-year-old Holland international has managed only three appearances for the club since his £6million arrival from Ajax in July and has spent almost four months recovering from a torn thigh muscle.

He is unlikely to play any part in the holiday programme, but his presence on the training pitch in recent weeks has given his manager a major boost.

Pardew said: "I looked at him with adoring eyes this morning because those games with packed defence, with him and Perez in the same team we'll unlock anyone at any level, so it's important he returns in good health.

"Moussa [Sissoko] can play that number 10 role, and it's such an important role in the Premier League. It's massively important. It's a position that can dictate the game.

"Cabaye used to do it for us. Cabaye dictates the game from number 10, Moussa can impact the game. Siem is more like Cabaye and will help us control games."