Steve Bruce says he is not shocked by Sheffield United's remarkable rise up the Premier League table this season.
The Newcastle United coach takes his side to Bramall Lane this evening looking to become the first team since Liverpool in September to grab a win against the Blades in their own backyard.
Bruce was Sheffield Wednesday chief earlier in the year and knows at first hand what their city rivals are capable of.
But the former Blades player-manager is wary of the challenge that lies in wait, when asked if their charge into the big time had surprised him, he said: "No, no.
"I saw enough of them last season to know that they are a very good side.
"We have been seeing it now for two or three years, Chris Wilder has been very cute in what he's done in transfers.
"Just at the right time they have a bit of energy."
United boss Bruce now hopes his side have the right attitude tonight - not least after letting standards slip away to Aston Villa recently.
He added: "If we go there complacent - we've had it.
"We have to match them as they're right up and at you.
"The crowd are right behind them and they're still delighted they're in the Premier League.
"They enjoy what they are seeing.
"It's a proper game.
"If we are nowhere near our best we'll come unstuck, it's as simple as that."
