BIG MATCH PREVIEW: Points not plaudits is the currency for City

Steve Bruce might need to win over Newcastle United’s support but Norwich City head coach Daniel Farke is a huge fan of the Magpies’ chief.

The former Norwich City defender jumped at the chance to manage his boyhood club but now faces the daunting prospect of replacing Rafa Benitez in the affections of the Tyneside faithful.

Farke conceded he had never felt prouder to be in charge of the Canaries after a tremendous ovation from the travelling support at the end of last week's 4-1 Liverpool defeat.

The City chief believes Bruce is the right man to bring success to the north-east, although he aims to prolong his testing honeymoon period at Carrow Road.

"I am full of respect for Steve Bruce.

"He is outstanding in terms of man-management, he always has a good feeling for the players," he said. "You look at his approach and his sides always work with lots of commitment and a good spirit. This will be a game of patience.

"They have many threats on the offense so we have to control the counters. You look at (Jonjo) Shelvey and the manner he is able to build up the play. We have to be awake. I like a lot what he is doing.

"Steve's team is always difficult to break down, always well structured. He is so experienced and knows what is important to be successful in a game. It is good to see him back at this level. He is a brilliant guy and I like to speak to him."

Onel Hernandez's knee injury deprives Farke of one potential attacking asset to try and probe for weakness in the Magpies' rearguard.

Striker Josip Dmic (hamstring) is also expected to be out until after Chelsea's upcoming league visit while Kenny McLean and Adah Idah (both backs) are doubtful today.

Ibrahim Amadou and Alex Tettey are available to bolster a central midfield which was severely tested at Anfield.

"Ibrahim could be an option. Then again this was his first full week and he still has to adapt to our style and learn about the other players," said Farke.

"It is easier for a guy like Alex who knows about these things, even the language aspect.

"Ibrahim has definitely taken a couple of steps forward and we have this (Crawley) cup game soon. I don't think he is a topic for the starting line up. The cup game is a chance for many players to settle in a bit more."

Farke expects his squad to have learned plenty from a testing Merseyside mission.

"That was an unbelievably difficult game against the most successful team in world football at the moment," he said. "Performance-wise we were not too far away from a good result. Of course we have to work on some areas and the effectiveness to use our chances.

"We had more shots and more possession and the most shots of any visiting team at Anfield in two-and-half years. Against top class sides they punish every mistake but we knew this.

"On this level you have to use each and every moment and play without nearly any mistakes.

"Liverpool might be a bigger name right now but Newcastle has unbelievable quality. Look at the attacking players. Joelinton, top class on an international level. I like (Miguel) Almiron a lot.

"We have to be at our best level to get points. We won't change our approach.

"It is not about trying to avoid getting beat. For me, every game is a chance to win. We'll give it a real go."