Former Newcastle United defender Bernard has said that the Magpies should have never let Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa go on loan to Roma.

The centre-back, played primarily as a full-back by Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, has enjoyed some fine performances since moving to Italy.

Bernard told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle: "I can't understand it. I know Mapou and he has been the best defender in France for the past five years. He was regularly getting in the France squad and I was delighted when he came to Newcastle.

"But as soon as he came he was playing right-back, left-back and not enough in his proper position, which is centre-back. He is too experienced as a player to be playing right-back and left-back – he is not even left-footed.

"He just did not get a chance at Newcastle and when you see him getting in the France team and doing well for Roma, I just do not understand Newcastle's decision to allow him to go out on loan."

Yanga-Mbiwa made 46 appearances for Newcastle before joining Roma.