Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has praised the mental strength of Davide Santon after the defender was left out against Norwich City.

The 21-year-old impressed when called upon in the 1-0 win over Norwich, although Pardew admits that the Italian's form has dipped in recent weeks.

"I was really pleased for Davide – he had to come off the bench after being left out. I think his form's suffered a little bit, but he sealed us up at the end, and I was pleased with that," Pardew told the Shields Gazette.

"I was going to leave Davide Santon out against Arsenal – Ryan Taylor was going to play. At the last minute, I've had to turn to him and put him in the team.

"That takes a lot of character to play that night. Mental strength is a massive thing in the Premier League."

Santon joined the Magpies from Inter Milan last summer.