Alan Can't Wait

Alan Pardew is looking forward to working with Steve Lomas and Rufus Brevett for a full season in the upcoming campaign.

Steve Lomas was out for the majority of last season while Rufus, who injured a foot against Sheffield United in August, are likely to be influential figures on the pitch and in the dressing room next season and Alan says:

"When Lomy came into the team I think we all saw the benefit of that; he is an established international and a leader, somebody we missed.

"Now we have got the bonus of having Rufus back; he was just short of the final and perhaps if Hayden hadn't played as well as he did at left back in the semi-final he may well have played.

"But that is neither here nor there; the fact is, he is back, he is ready, he will get preseason under his belt, and I really like the lad.

"I think he will be great for us, like a massive signing."