Alan Pardew is full of praise for Chris Hughton ahead of Newcastle United's meeting with Norwich on Sunday.

The ex-Birmingham boss lead Newcastle to the Championship title before guiding the North East club to mid-table security prior to his sacking mid-way through the season.

At the time Toon Army owner Mike Ashley was lambasted for the decision but the Geordies have continued to progress under Pardew's stewardship since.

The former Southampton boss told ITV Football, "Both of us could probably look each other in the eye and say we have done decent jobs at Newcastle, so far on my part.

"On his part now, he has a different agenda, a different project, and a tough one because Norwich second year in haven't really had much investment in the team. But they have got some good  players and got some great results last season.

"It's a game that for us would probably put us in the top eight if we won, and that's obviously where we want to be."

Hughton is set to receive a rapturous reception  rarely reserved for recently sacked managers, but such is Tyneside's appreciation for the way he resurrected the football club he will be greeted fondly. His Norwich side are looking for a first win of the season, while Newcastle have yet to win in league fixtures following a mid-week European outing.