Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has been impressed by Newcastle United this season.

Dalglish has highlighted the quality in Toon's midfield ahead of Friday's big game.

"I think Newcastle have done very well this season," Dalglish told liverpoolfc.tv.

"They collected a lot of points early doors and I know it's tailed off a wee bit now but that's because they probably have had a harder run of fixtures than they did at the start of the season, but they are up there and have done fantastically well.

"They were active in the transfer window and brought a few people in. Demba Ba would obviously be the one who has been the big success. They took a chance on him after he failed a medical at Stoke City. Alan Pardew took that chance which was brave of him and he has been rewarded by that.

"Ba would be the pick of the signings but they have made some other good signings as well. Tiote has done well and Cabaye, but then I don't think we are too shabby either."