Chris Hughton has praised Fabricio Coloccini’s attitude and believes the defender has been Newcastle’s most consistent performer this season.

The Argentinean was the Magpies’ saviour last weekend when he scored a 94th minute equaliser against Wigan – a game in which he captained Chris Hughton’s side.

Since his arrival on Tyneside in 2008, Coloccini has experienced the highs and the lows of being a Newcastle player, with many fans questioning his ability after the relegation season, but Hughton believes the 28-yearold has proved his quality.

“I think he’s been arguably our most consistent player,”

Hughton said.

“I can speak about last season where we had some very big players and there was a lot of consistency right the way through the team, but he’s arguably been our most consistent player this season.

“He is a quality player, he’s an international player and now he’s settled in.

“Sometimes you forget it’s easier for some players to settle in than others with the style of play and the language barrier, but I’ve been very pleased with him.”

Hughton’s side face West Ham at Upton Park in today’s 5.30pm kick-off with the Hammers currently at the foot of the Premier League table.

Although home form has been disappointing this season, Newcastle have been much better away from home and despite sitting just two points above the Hammers, Hughton feels there are far more positives than negatives so far.

“Away from home our form has been quite good apart from the defeat at Manchester United. Apart from the first 37 minutes of the game, it was difficult for us.

“We fared very well at Wolves in a game we should have won and of course we beat Everton and I don’t think there’s anybody that can deny we should have got something at Manchester City.

“When you’re looking at a season, there are a group of teams you want to get your results from.

“We’ve played some of them at home and failed to win, but they’ve been very tight games.

“The Blackpool game we should have won, Stoke was disappointing and we showed great character on Saturday so there are a lot more positives than people make out.

“We’re in a position in the division that sees a group of five teams only one point above us, so I think there are more positives than negatives.”