Newcastle United midfielder Jonas Gutierrez has heaped praise on Magpies boss Alan Pardew.

Guiterrez, 28, has also claimed that Pardew should be considered as a strong contender for the manager of the season.

"If you look at the results he's got, and if you think of the expectations before the season started, nobody would have expected Newcastle to be in the top six," Gutierrez told the Shields Gazette.

"The fans didn't even think that here. He's doing a great job here. He was last year as well, but we have to keep doing a great job here. If he got manager of the year, it will be a proud moment for him and for the players."

Newcastle are currently sixth in the Premier League table.