Jose Enrique admits Newcastle surprise

Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has admitted that he is surprised at how well former club Newcastle United have fared this season.

The Spanish defender left the Magpies for Liverpool in August, while the likes of Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton also departed.

"They sold a lot of players – me, Joey, Andy, Nobby – and when you sell so many players, normally the team drops a bit. But they are doing really well," Enrique told The Sun.

"I still love Newcastle and will do all my life. But I play for Liverpool now and I want three points."

Liverpool will look to bounce back from their 1-1 draw with Blackburn when they face Newcastle on Friday evening.