ALAN PARDEW has praised Jonas Gutierrez's strength of character as he battles testicular cancer - and expressed a hope that the Argentinian will return to Newcastle soon.

Gutierrez delivered a series of interviews in his native Argentina this week in which he revealed he is currently receiving chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer.

Pardew has been aware of the winger's illness for some time, but agreed to remain silent until Gutierrez felt able to go public about his situation.

Newcastle officials urged Gutierrez to return to his homeland to receive treatment close to his friends and family, but both Pardew and his close friend, Fabricio Coloccini, are hoping to see their colleague again soon.

Pardew said: "I’ve known about this for a long while, but I’ve kept my counsel because that was the request from Jonas and his family. As a club we’ve tried to support him as best we can, but he took his treatment to Argentina so he is some distance away.

"We send our love and will continue to support him. It’s an emotional situation for me and I really hope he comes back sooner rather than later.

"I think it will have been a shock to our players and we haven’t really discussed it yet. In terms of a man’s life, it’s a blow that could happen to any of us. It’s such a severe blow and the way Jonas is dealing with it just shows the strength he possesses. All power to him and hopefully our players will use it to give him something to lean on by playing well."