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Boss Eyes Debu Delight For Mathieu
Written by Newcastle Utd
Alan Pardew talks about Mathieu Debuchy pulling on the black and white stripes, and Saturday's trip to Carrow Road
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Alan Pardew is relishing the sight of Mathieu Debuchy in a Newcastle shirt, as he bids to give the Club's travelling faithful something to shout about at Norwich on Saturday.
Debuchy signed from Lille a week ago and is set to make his debut at Carrow Road in the Barclays Premier League fixture (3pm kick-off).
The Magpies' manager revealed that his new right-back has gone about his business in an unassuming manner on the training pitch, but in doing so has illustrated the class he will bring to United's squad.
"Mathieu has come in and been accomplished," explained Pardew.
"He's not really ripped any trees up but he just looks like a proper, senior player who knows the game.
"I haven't had to give him too much information, but a few of our wide players haven't had too much joy against him.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing him in a Newcastle shirt - I think he will add some real quality to us."
Newcastle have had a miserable time on their travels so far this season and are yet to win an away game in any competition.
After encouraging recent top flight performances against some of the division's big boys, Pardew believes that elusive maiden 2012/13 travelling triumph is not too far away, and would love it to happen at Norwich this weekend.
"We really need to get some momentum, for our fans who we really let down last week," said the boss.
"We've had terrific support. When people talk about the best fans in the world, we must be right up there because they have stayed with us and supported us through some really horrible fixtures.
"We now need to pay them back in this second half of the season, and I'm confident that we can do that.
"We have to give a really good account of ourselves at Norwich and start putting some points on the board.
"It's a tough place to go and they are on a tricky run themselves. Someone will end up with a really good day and hopefully it's us."
To follow all the action on Saturday, through live text updates, half-time and full-time reports, photos and extensive reaction, log on to nufc.co.uk.