Foxes boss Puel wary of Magpies

Claude Puel has told of his “respect” for Newcastle United – and Rafa Benitez.

Leicester City team take on Benitez’s side at St James’s Park tomorrow (5.30pm kick-off ).

Newcastle have taken just one point from their last six games, dropping them down to 15th in the Premier League.

Leicester manager Puel, appointed as successor to Craig Shakespeare in October, is looking for his third successive top-flight win.

Puel (pictured), however, is wary of the Tynesiders, despite the hosts’ recent poor form.

“We have a lot of respect for Newcastle,” said Frenchman Puel, who managed Southampton last season.

“They are a good team and have a great manager with quality in the team.

“They know themselves very well, because they play together in the Championship.

“They had a good start to the season, and they have good structure, good play and strong on the counter-attack.

“We need to keep a good concentration and focus on this team.

“It will be a difficult atmosphere, because there will be 50,000 people cheering them on.

“It’s another good challenge. It’s important to play a good game.”

Asked about his team’s hopes of a third successive win, Puel said: “Time will tell.

“For me, it’s important to keep a good focus and concentrate on the next game and try to make a strong team.

“Maybe we will see after the game.”

Newcastle’s thirdround FA Cup tie against League Two high-fliers Luton Town has been confirmed for St James’s Park on Saturday, January 6 (3pm kick-off ).

Meanwhile, Kelland Watts scored a hat-trick as Newcastle’s Under-18s booked a place in the FA Youth Cup fourth round with a 5-0 win at Brighton last night. Lewis Cass and Kurtis Russell also netted at the Amex Stadium.