Jamaal Lascelles reacts to Newcastle United's transfer business

That’s the view of captain Jamaal Lascelles ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League home game against Norwich City.

The club has signed Nabil Bentaleb and Valentino Lazaro on loan from Schalke 04 and Inter Milan respectively in this month’s window.

Bentaleb played in last weekend’s FA Cup tie against Oxford United, while Lazaro will make his debut against Norwich.

“I think any player that comes on loan or permanently is a little boost for the squad,” said Lascelles.

“It brings more competition – and players have to step up.

“Also, it’s nice to have new faces around. Whenever we sign players, it’s always a good thing. Nabil did great. He’s tidy on the ball. I know he’s going to offer us a lot. You can tell he’s got quality. Hopefully, it’ll be the same with Valentino.”

Lascelles made his comeback from a cracked tibia against Rochdale in the last round of the FA Cup. The defender had missed the busy festive period with the injury.

“It’s never nice to be injured,” said Lascelles. “It was an important time. There were games coming thick and fast. We were picking up injuries, and I couldn’t help, because I was injured. That’s passed. I’m glad to be back and I just want to keep working hard – and have a strong finish.”

Newcastle are 14th in the table with 30 points, and Lascelles said: “We want to be in the position where we’re safe, and then we start aiming up the table.

“The gaffer’s come in and done a great job. He’s obviously got his own way of doing things. We’ve adapted to it now, and we fully respect and trust him. I think we’ve really developed on how to win games and get stuff from games.

“There were times last season and the season before where we’d be the better team and do something silly and the other team would win.

“This season we seem to be a bit more resilient.”