Alan Pardew: "You have to remember he was up against outstanding players in the Manchester United game, and not only did he win that particular battle, but his use of the ball was excellent.
"He can play both sides and he gives us a massive weaponry. But at the moment, left-back, he looks like he has probably got the nod.
"We have had two clean sheets from Mike in four games, and that's fantastic.
"It just goes to show how he has conditioned himself in that time off. He can be very proud of himself."