West Bromwich Albion boss Roy Hodgson has been impressed by Newcastle United's progress this season.

Hodgson is full of admiration for the achievements of his successor, Alan Pardew with the Magpies.

He said: "Newcastle have had a fantastic season, Alan Pardew's recruitment has been very good. All the players they have brought in have been very successful.

"Maybe Newcastle have had the season they might not have expected at the start of the season.

"But, when you get a team with so many talented players, you can never be surprised if it goes well."