Leroy Fer will get even better in the Premier League promises Chris Hughton after the Dutchman's goalscoring display on Tyneside attracting admiring glances from Newcastle chief Alan Pardew.

The Magpies' boss was effusive in his praise for Fer who capped another accomplished outing in central midfield with his third goal since a summer move from FC Twente.

'We hope he will be a good influence for us,' said Hughton. 'He is still developing and I look at his all-round game and feel there are still areas of improvement. He is still adjusting from playing and being brought up in a Dutch way with three in midfield to what we want from him but he is certainly making big strides for us.'

Pardew is the latest convert to the 23-year-old's growing fan club after mixing it with his own established Premier League performers in Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabaye.

'I thought Norwich had some good players and in particular the lad Fer really influenced the game,' he said. 'He sort of announced himself on the big stage here. I thought he was terrific for them because I felt we were in total control of the game up until the lad scored. I think the Norwich fans even cheered when they got a corner and they didn't look they were going to penetrate us.'

Norwich improved markedly after the interval at St James Park and Hughton knows the value of carrying that on in another key match-up against one of their direct rivals when new boss Tony Pulis brings Crystal Palace to Carrow Road.

'We showed some pride, commitment and passion in the second half and that is nothing short of what I would expect and we can take that into the Crystal Palace game now,' said Hughton. 'I said it during the build up that away games will always be difficult and I know just how tough it is to come to this place so credit to the players for showing spirit and working hard to get back into the game in that second half. I felt we were worthy of getting a goal back and making it a tough finish.'