Danny Guthrie praises the Three Amigos

NEWCASTLE United's Three Amigos have been praised for shattering stereotypes about foreign footballers in a glowing endorsement from Danny Guthrie.

Argentinian duo Fabricio Coloccini and Jonas Gutierrez have, along with Spanish left-back Jose Enrique, become an integral part of the United side which has moved to top of the Coca Cola Championship with a third of the season gone. And Guthrie is keen to highlight their contribution as he rallied against suggestions foreign players do not have the same stomach for a fight as their English team-mates when the going gets tough.

Although all three might have been expected to abandon the club following relegation to the Championship, the Spanish-speaking trio chose to stay on Tyneside and have earned plenty of respect and admiration in the Newcastle dressing room as a result.

"You might talk about the so-called English mentality, about being able to fight when your back is against the wall and showing strength in adversity," said Guthrie, who hopes the Magpies have learnt how to handle themselves away from home ahead of Monday night's trip to Preston.