Hottiger caught the eye of Kevin Keegan in the summer of 1994 when the then Toon boss was working as a co-commentator and scouting at the same time.
He spotted Hottiger playing for Switzerland against the States in Detroit’s Pontiac Silverdome.
Marc Hottiger
Keegan then snapped up Hottiger from FC Sion along with Belgian Philippe Albert – signing themon the back of their World Cup performances.
Now Hottiger feels that Debuchy can be a big hit in Brazil as part of a France side who face his home country Switzerland, then Honduras and finally Ecuador in Group E.
Marc Hottiger: “I think he’s a very good defender.
“He’s great for Newcastle because he likes to push forward and the fans really appreciate that.
“French players are doing really well at Newcastle.
“But Debuchy is a very good right-back and one of the best in Europe for me.
"The World Cup puts players in the shop window, that was how Kevin Keegan signed me.
"I still keep in touch with Newcastle's results and make a yearly visit.
“I was back at Newcastle for the game with Manchester United.
“The team didn’t do too badly at times last season and while they could be higher it was good not to see them at the bottom end of the table.
“It’s a great club with brilliant fans and I will always keep an eye on results.”