Alan Pardew: 'Newcastle United fans must be patient with Ayoze Perez'

Alan Pardew has urged Newcastle United supporters not to put too much pressure on in-form forward Ayoze Perez.

The Spaniard has scored three goals in his last three games for the Magpies, but Pardew is hopeful that the fans remain patient with the 21-year-old.

"He is a young player. Some of the comparisons have been way off the mark – the new Alan Shearer, the new Andy Cole," the Newcastle boss told reporters. "This is a boy who has played three games. Those players are legends and have done it all.

"Ayoze is just setting foot in the Premier League, but I have to say he's done really well so far. I'm pleased with him.

"He's difficult to pin down, his movement is very clever. He's a smashing player and is low maintenance. We're enjoying him on the training ground."

Perez is expected to keep his place in attack for Saturday's meeting with Queens Park Rangers.