Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew believes that midfielder Yohan Cabaye is as important a player to his side as Wayne Rooney is to Manchester United.

The France international started his first game of the season for the Magpies in their victory over Aston Villa after reportedly going on strike in order to force a move away from the club.

Pardew told The Mirror: "Yohan is just as important to us as Rooney is to Manchester United. He's a player who carries the heartbeat and the rhythm of the team.

"There are not many players who can do that and there were moments when he did it here, but he will get better because he isn't 100% yet."

Newcastle are eighth in the Premier League after taking seven points from their opening four games.