Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has insisted that his side will soon regain the good form they showed towards the end of last season.

The Toon Army have endured a mixed start to their Premier League campaign so far, with a 1-1 draw at Sunderland leaving the Magpies 11th in the table.

Last year, Newcastle finished the season in superb style and claimed fifth spot after several impressive results, and Pardew is certain that his side can hit top form again sooner rather later.

"I know this team will come alive," said Pardew. "I know it, because they're too good not to.

"We had our first chance to pick from a full squad today and that shows the blows we've had injury-wise and with suspensions and now we're going to lose Cheick [Tiote].

"When you look at us at the start of this game, that's the best we've been. We looked right at it and we're difficult to play when we're like that."

Newcastle host West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on Sunday.