Tiote training on Tyneside after visa refusal

But McClaren was not talking about the club’s powerful fan base, the head coach suggested that Newcastle are still more than capable of landing top transfer targets to improve the team.

Newcastle are still in the hunt to sign Aleksandar Mitrovic, but the Anderlecht striker is thought be swaying towards joining FC Porto.

The new boss went on to add, “Everybody knows the reputation and size of the club”.

Capped once by his country, Vuckic has made 19 senior appearances for Newcastle to date and he has been loaned to Cardiff City, Rotherham United and Rangers during his time on Tyneside.

“It’s huge here and it’s huge overseas”.

You hear that McClaren wants to play him forward – probably alongside Siem de Jong – and I think can only be a good thing for the club. There’s a big appetite for that to happen, without a doubt.

Pardew had previously overseen a French wave of talent wash over St. James’ during his spell in the North East, and whilst it certainly petered out somewhat after the selling off of players such as Yohan Cabaye and Mathieu Debuchy, the plan initially worked wonders for the Tynesiders.

Coloccini was not involved at the global Stadium, but he could play against Club Atlas in the early hours of tomorrow morning at Miller Park, Milwaukee (2am kick-off BST), in front of a crowd of around 25,000.

“I’m glad to have played again, it’s different from training – it was a hard week and this 45 minutes (v Gateshead) was tough for me after a hard season, but I’m pleased to be playing normal pre season”.

He said: “The first two weeks we were trying to get people to buy in to what we are doing”. His work ethic at PSV was clearly demonstrated by them making him captain, and this is the kind of hardworking and loyal player that is somewhat lacking at the Toon. Those who don’t will be flying out the window.

“Those who buy in to it, great”.