Eddie Howe says that Frank Lampard has coped with a "difficult situation" at Everton since taking over from Rafa Benitez.
Lampard staved off the threat of the drop at the bottom of the Premier League and while the Toffees have won just twice this season, Howe has admiration for his ex-England team-mate.
Speaking ahead of the clash with Everton, Howe said: "I think he's done a very good job. I know Frank well from various encounters - I played in the under-21s with him many years ago. He's a very, very likeable man and I think he's done a really good job to stabilise the club. "
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"It was a really difficult situation for them last year but I think he's made some astute signings in the summer. I think now they're a much tougher team to play against, so we expect a difficult game."
Everton will arrive on Tyneside having lost their last two encounters - albeit against Spurs and Manchester United. The Goodison Park side triumphed 1-0 over Newcastle back in April and Howe thinks they have improved since then, despite the sale of Richarlison.
He said: "They've made progress. I'd say the games we had against them last season were both very tight, difficult games for both teams - there was not a lot in it.
"We anticipate a very similar test. I think they have improved. They've recruited well, and they've got a real physical edge to their side now.
"They'll be threats on transitions, set plays, they're a physical team, so we're going to have to stand up to that physical test. But at home, with the crowd, I'd back us to do that."
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