Alan Pardew is promising Alex Neil life is about to get a lot tougher managing Norwich City in the Premier League.

The Crystal Palace boss aims to spoil Neil's big day at Carrow Road after almost unparalleled success in his fledging coaching career in charge of Hamilton and now the Canaries.

Pardew knows the scale of the task facing the Eagles against a buoyant club fresh from Championship promotion success.

'Norwich have an exciting manager, because Alex Neil's really on an upward curve. He hasn't put a foot wrong since he started,' said Pardew. 'This is a real test for him, the Premier League, tactically, and media-wise he's going to find some tough days, but we know this first game is not ideal for us. The club are on the up. We know we're in for a very, very tough game.'

Pardew is not impressed with an opening run of league fixtures which sees his club face Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham in the early weeks of the new campaign, as they strive to beat a top ten finish.

'The crux of our season may well be the start, because our first period is very, very tough,' he said. 'Probably the toughest of any Premier League side, in my opinion. We really have to be ready. We won't know that, really, until we come out of Norwich, and maybe even Arsenal, to know exactly where we are. This is going to be a critical part of our season. Success for us this season is something which replicates the second half of last season. We want that commitment to win the game, that commitment to entertain, that commitment to get results, in a manner which is fitting for this club.

'I like to think we're an exciting team, and it's dangerous to say that at the start of the season, but I think we are and good to watch. Hopefully we can get the results which put us in a good position in the league.'