Shola Ameobi has had a dig at Newcastle United's former big earners.
Michael Owen, Mark Viduka, Habib Beye, Damien Duff, Obafemi Martins and Seb Bassong all quit United in the aftermath of relegation to the Championship.
Toon striker Ameobi told the Evening Chronicle: "We haven't got the so-called stars as we did two years ago, but for me we've got a far better team, and far better ethos as a team.
"I think we're in a far better position to deal with the pressures of the Premier League than we were two years ago.
"It's looking good for us although we're under no illusions that it's going to be difficult."
