Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini recently admitted his shock after being left out of Argentina’s final 23-man squad for the World Cup.

The 28-year-old, part of Toon’s Coca-Cola Championship winning team, was named in Diego Maradona’s preliminary group but failed to make the final cut.

Coloccini told the Daily Mail: "No one from the technical staff spoke to me. But it's the coach's decision.

"Like any player, I am saddened by this decision. But I give my full support to the players for them to take Argentina to the top. I can't be selfish and wish the boys all the best.

"Luckily, the people around me say that I should be calm because I did very well in England and anything is possible for me. I'm still young and I can return to play in the World Cup.

"The coach makes these decisions and they must be respected. It's not only me who's out of the group, but many players."

Team-mate Jonas Gutierrez did land a place in Maradona’s squad and there will be further Premier League interest in the form of Liverpool midfielders Javier Mascherano and Maxi Rodriguez, and Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez.

Coach Maradona did spring one major surprise in his final party, handing a place to 30-year-old Colon defender Ariel Garce, who won his only cap two years ago against Haiti.

Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Diego Pozo (Colon)

Defenders: Nicolas Burdisso (Roma), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan), Gabriel Heinze (Marseille), Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes), Ariel Garce (Colon)

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Maxi Rodriguez (Liverpool), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina), Angel Di Maria (Benfica), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle), Javier Pastore (Palermo)

Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona).

June 12  Nigeria (15.00 BST)  Win 8/15, Lose 7/1, Draw 63/20
June 17  South Korea (19.30 BST)  Win 2/5, Lose 10/1, Draw 15/4
June 22  Greece (19.30 BST)  Win 4/6, Lose 11/2, Draw 14/5

To win World Cup: 7/1 (Bet365, SportingBet, Victor Chandler, Blue Square, Paddy Power, 888Sport, bodog, Coral)