Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is convinced the £35million sale of Andy Carroll to Liverpool helped the Toon strengthen the squad with some astute signings. The 23-year-old will return on Sunday on loan from Liverpool along with former Magpies team-mate Kevin Nolan, who departed for West Ham shortly afterwards.
Pardew said: "The position we are in, if I'm honest, is because we used the money from Andy's sale well.
"He was a brilliant player for us, but the fee was astronomical. We have used it well and we owe a great debt to him.
"It's nice to see Kevin come back. He did a super job here. Whatever he was asked to do, he conducted himself well. And he gets a goal. He has proven that at any level, he will get a goal.
"I'm looking forward to seeing them both and I enjoyed working with them.
"There will be a lot on the game. Kevin will be determined to get a result, as will Andy and the manager coming back."
