Fabricio Coloccini and Jonas Gutierrez are looking forward to locking horns with Carlos Tevez on Sunday.
Magpies duo aiming to impress Argentina coach on Sunday
Fabricio Coloccini and Jonas Gutierrez are looking forward to locking horns with Carlos Tevez when Newcastle visit Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Magpies pair are fully aware that there will be a nation of millions watching the Premier League encounter at the City of Manchester Stadium, with the emphasis very much on the three Argentina internationals.
Coloccini and Gutierrez have admitted that they already have an eye on next year's Copa America - which is being held in Argentina after missing out on the recently named squad for a friendly in Japan.
Head coach Sergio Batista will be keeping a close eye on all three players come Sunday, but the duo know that pulling off a victory at Eastlands would catch the eye of the manager and enhance their international chances.
Coloccini told the
Evening Chronicle: "Every game in Argentina is beamed back in the Premier League and my country watch a lot of English football, so Sunday will be very interesting.
"My main priority is to play as well as I can for Newcastle and if I am doing that then I know it will be important towards getting selected for the national team.
"That is my dream to play for Argentina at the Copa America.
"It will be difficult and it's a long way away. But I know that I must have a good season with Newcastle.
"In every game, not just Sunday, we have to make it difficult for teams and get big results."
Contention
Gutierrez will be hoping to force his way back into contention for the game following his cameo role in the 2-1 defeat at home to Stoke last weekend, although boss Chris Hughton could well stick with Hatem Ben Arfa and Wayne Routledge.
The midfielder said: "I know what my position is with Newcastle and what my role is. My aim is to improve, make goals and score goals.
"And in every game I have to make sure I achieve that."
Gutierrez is looking forward to an emotional reunion with his World Cup team-mate Tevez, with whom he spent the duration of the World Cup until their quarter-final exit at the hands of Germany.
He said: "There are many quality players in the Argentina line-up, including Tevez.
"If I want to be in the national team, playing good football in the Premier League is vital.
"I'm thinking of that and of doing well for Newcastle.
"The Copa America is very important for us next summer and I hope to be there.
"Argentina needs a tournament, and the cup is very important for the continent.
"We need to win it, and it's very good to have it in Argentina."
