PLAYER PROFILE

Charles N'Zogbia

Position: Midfield

Height: 5'9

Weight: 11st 0lbs

Date of Birth: 1986-05-28 Harfleur, France

Charles N'Zogbia

Newcastle United completed the signing of teenage French midfielder Charles N'Zogbia in August 2004.

The 18-year-old is one of the most highly rated youngster's in France, and had been training with the Magpies for a month after deciding against extending his contract with Le Havre and impressed Sir Bobby Robson sufficiently to earn a contract.

Although N'Zogbia was out of contract the Magpies still had to pay the French side a fee because of his age, but they expect the compensation package to be just £250,000.

The deal is similar to the one that brought Olivier Bernard to St James' Park from Lyon four years ago and the club will be hoping the youngster will follow his compatriot's example and go on to establish himself as a key member of the first team.

His first season at St. James' Park brought only moderate success. He could not quite break into a regular first-team place, but did make a total of 19 appearances.

However, in the 2005/06 season, N'Zogbia truly found his feet, making thirty-seven appearances and scoring five times.

Injury hampered his progress somewhat in 2006/07, but he did manage to make nearly forty appearances and is still an important member of the Newcastle United team.