Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has claimed that Hatem Ben Arfa should be considered by France boss Laurent Blanc for Euro 2012.

Ben Arfa has been a key factor in Newcastle's recent good form and Pardew believes that the 25-year-old deserves to be considered for this summer's competition.

Pardew said: "He should definitely have a chance with the French squad. There's not many players can do the things he does, his work rate is phenomenal and I'm sure the French manager understands that.

"It's the technical ability that allows him to carry the ball at full speed and manoeuvre it at full pace. He can go that quickly but still put the ball exactly where he wants it. It's only the great dribblers that can do that."

Ben Arfa has made five appearances for France.