Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has praised Hatem Ben Arfa for his acceptance at being rested in the 2-1 win against Cardiff City on Saturday.

Loic Remy scored twice as Ben Arfa was given just four minutes from the substitutes' bench, but Pardew said that the French winger's attitude had been excellent.

"His application and his acceptance of the decision was spot on and he's growing as a person," Pardew is quoted as saying on Goal.com.

"Hatem is a great player for us. I don't think some of the things that are said about him [causing problems] are actually true.

"He's been very good this week, accepted the decision, and he got his reward because he walked off as part of a winning team."

Pardew's side are currently 11th in the Premier League.