Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has heaped praise on his opposite number Frank Lampard ahead of the clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tomorrow (Saturday).
The Magpies make the trip to west London to face the Blues at Stamford Bridge, with both sides going into the game off the back of victories before the international break.
Chelsea , who beat Southampton 4-1 at St Mary's in their last game, have won their last four matches in all competitions, while Newcastle won 1-0 against Manchester United in their last fixture.
And Bruce has called for a similar performance from his side as they look to record their third win of the season in the Premier League, having also beaten Tottenham 1-0 away from home earlier on in the campaign.
"We need to put in another big performance," said Bruce, speaking at his pre-match press conference.
"We’ve seen we’re capable, but the big thing is consistency – especially away, it has to be better. The Manchester United result gave everyone a lift at the right time. Now we’re going to try and do it again.”
However, Bruce has warned his players about the quality they will be facing, with the Newcastle United boss hailing Lampard's impact on the Blues since taking charge in the summer.
“He’s a great lad and he was a great, great player. For all of us – but especially when you’re young like Frank – the one thing you do require is patience. It’s been a whirlwind 12 months for him but he’s making a fist of it, and it’s great to see," he said.
"The last four games there’s a certain way they’ve become accustomed to playing. We all know how many good young players they’ve got. Away to Chelsea in the Premier League era – they’ve always been a big team."
