Newcastle United management are delighted with the leadership of captain Fabricio Coloccini.

The Argentina defender took on the captaincy following Kevin Nolan's move to West Ham United.

"We have had a good start and all you can put it down to is a good pre-season and good preparation, and above all the fact that the guys who have come in have integrated into the group quickly - quicker than I thought," Toon No2 John Carver told The Journal.

"There was always the worry about whether we'd brought in one or two too many French players but as it stands at the minute that doesn't appear to be the case.

"I think it helps to have the captain who is a foreign player himself.

"He is definitely taking more responsibility.

"I mean I look at young (Davide) Santon and it does help him that Fabricio has played in Italy so can speak a little Italian.

"It has helped him - it has made him feel part of the group quite quickly.

"I think we saw that on Saturday when we scored the second goal, he's warming up but he joined in the celebrations.

"I haven't seen that too many times with foreign players.

"That tells you something - and tells you something about their mentality."