Norwich manager Smith hails 'trailblazer' Howe ahead of Newcastle trip | OneFootball

Norwich City manager Dean Smith has hailed Eddie Howe ahead of Wednesday's trip to Newcastle United.

It is a huge clash at St. James' Park as both sides look to get out of the relegation zone.

"Eddie's a very good coach," Smith told a pre-match press conference. "He was the trailblazer for young English managers when he got Bournemouth into the Premier League. He's someone we can all look up to. I've had some good challenges against his sides.

"They've got some really good ball carriers in Saint-Maximin as well as players like Callum Wilson who can get in behind and score goals, so we have to be aware of that threat.

"Very rarely do they go a couple of games without scoring. They didn't score against Arsenal, but have been free scorers throughout the season, but have conceded a lot as well so they'll be looking to find that balance.

"We want to go there and be tough to beat first and foremost, making sure that we don't give big chances away. They've got players who can create, but we've got an attacking flair and good footballers who can keep possession.

"If they want to build, it will give us the opportunity to win the ball back in their half. If they want to go a bit longer, we'll have to defend a bit deeper. They've played a couple of different systems already.

"They've got some continuity because Graeme Jones is still there. We've watched them and I've played against them this season with Aston Villa. We know their players and there's not a lot that can get lost with the coverage of the Premier League."