Alan Pardew has insisted that Gabriel Obertan's displays in pre-season have put him back in contention for Newcastle United.

Obertan was thought to be one of players likely to be shown the door at St. James' Park this summer, given that the 25-year-old has not started a Premier League game for nearly 18 months.

However, the former Manchester United winger has impressed in pre-season, chipping in with a goal against Malaga.

"I was really pleased with our fans. It was nice to hear them singing Obertan's name," Pardew is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"He is another player that has worked hard this summer and you can see that.

"If he can take that into the season that will be a bonus for us because he's been troubled with injuries."

Newcastle recently completed their seventh signing of the summer, with Facundo Ferreyra arriving on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk.