Newcastle United skipper Jamaal Lascelles has heaped praise on Steve Bruce after his first season in charge of the Magpies.
Bruce replaced Rafa Benitez last summer despite receiving a frosty reception from some fans after resigning from Sheffield Wednesday to take the job.
But despite some reservations, Newcastle were last in the relegation zone in October and the club were in a steady position when the season was suspended because of the virus pandemic.
United were also looking forward to a quarter-final tie against Manchester City in the FA Cup.
When asked about Bruce's performance as boss Lascelles, speaking to Dapo Abitogun on an Instagram live interview with Counter Attack, said: "I was over the moon.
"He's got a good record and straight away from pre-season you could tell it's a different type of manager.
"It's something I really like, working hard, being fit and being strong.
"He built the team to do that and that's why we have been successful this season.
"Our running stats are always high, we press and we are well organised.
"He (Bruce) has driven that by himself and he's done a fantastic job."
Lascelles was then asked if Newcastle could get back to qualifying for Europe in the next two seasons, he said: "Yeah I mean why not?
"Every game we play we do fancy ourselves especially our home games.
"For me, a lot of it is who turns up on the day.
"The season we are still in we have beaten some big teams and lost to some smaller teams.
"Anyone can beat anyone."
