Former Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew believes Eddie Howe is up there as the best in the Premier League.

Pardew, who also coached West Ham United, admits Howe has proven all doubters wrong.

The ex-Bournemouth manager has seen Newcastle go from a relegation threatened side to a Champions League contender.

“He hasn't gone to another level," Pardew told talkSPORT about Howe.

“He's got more experience. He's always been at that level in my opinion. He's a top manager.

“You can only play with the tools to have. I played against Eddie many times at Bournemouth and his teams were never set up like that (how Newcastle set up). It's obviously horses for courses - and you have to be in the Premier League.

“This is why I have an issue at the bottom of the league. I don't think teams are using horses for courses. If you're a manager in the Premier League, get your team sorted and get results."