FABRICIO COLOCCINI turned in a flawless defensive display to help Newcastle United prevent a fifth successive defeat at Carrow Road.

With all eyes on the Argentine following his request to leave St James' Park before the end of the month, he was one of few positives from a pretty tame goalless draw in Norfolk.

And there was nothing unusual about his farewell at the final whistle. A simple round of applause for the away supporters along with his team-mates.

There was even a moment ten minutes from time when Coloccini, who was more than happy to play despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, could have volleyed in a winner.

But, like so much of Newcastle attacking play this afternoon, the finish was wayward and Norwich City ended up with a point.

In fairness to the Canaries they had the greater share of possession but struggled themselves to make inroads towards Tim Krul's goal.

And when Chris Hughton's team did find a way through, Krul was equal to Anthony Pilkington's touch and shot with 14 minutes remaining.

The fact that chance was the only clear cut shot on target of the afternoon highlighted how uninspiring the match was.

And then Norwich almost grabbed a winner in the dying seconds when Grant Holt's header back across goal almost ended with Pilkington nodding over the line.

But Newcastle, after losing nine of their previous 11 Premier League fixtures, will take some satisfaction from the fact they avoided another defeat having had to deal with Coloccini's request in the build up.

NORWICH CITY (4-4-2): Bunn; Martin, Bassong, Turner, Garrido; Pilkington, Johnson, Tettey, Snodgrass (E Bennett 76); Hoolahan; Jackson (Holt 68). Subs: Rudd (gk), Fox, Barnett, R. Bennett, Kane. NEWCASTLE UNITED (4-4-2): Krul; Debuchy, Williamson, Coloccini, Santon; Perch, Anita (Bigirimana 84); Obertan (Cabaye 57), Marveaux, Gutierrez; Cisse. Subs (not used): Harper (gk), Tavernier, Amalfitano, Sammy Ameobi, Ranger.