Ian Evatt believes that Newcastle will face a different Blackpool side this season following promotion to the Barclays Premier League.

The 28-year-old was part of the side beaten 4-1 at St James' Park back in April, with the Seasiders' consolatory goal coming from Brett Ormerod.

But the defender feels that the Magpies will face a different prospect this term given the amount of new arrivals at the club since.

"I think last year we were maybe the rabbit in the headlights, we just weren't ourselves on that day," he admitted. "We were in a great run of form before and after that, but that day we just let ourselves down.

"We were a new team last year learning new things and I think we've come a long way since then. We've got a lot of new players that need to bed in, but they're all settling in really well."

One of those new arrivals has been former Manchester United defender Craig Cathcart, someone Evatt enjoys playing alongside.

"He's been different class, I really enjoy it," he said. "He's a really nice lad and a really good footballer. It's really good for the team that we're signing players of his quality, and to sign him at 21-years-old is something that will bode well for the future."

Four games now stand between the Seasiders and the next international break following Saturday's return from Latvia, with a tough trip to Chelsea on the agenda after the Toon fixture.

"It's been a nice little break, everyone knows the Premier League is high intensity and sometimes you need a rest from it all. We're ready to work again now with two massive games away from home that we could do with getting something out of.

"It's a massive period for us really, this is a time that will test just how good we are and if we're ready for it. The boys are full of confidence and will give it their best shot," he added.