The Seagulls head to the north east for today’s 5.30pm kick-off against the Magpies looking to replicate last season’s victory at the same venue, and the boss has backed his team to stand up to the challenge.
He said, “You go to St James’ Park and you know what you’re going to get because the crowd get behind the home team very well.
“We know we have to stand up to a good and organised side with threats going forward and good experience all over the pitch.
“We have to play well, but this group have shown me a competitive nature in all the games so far and I have no concerns about that.”
One player who has caught the eye so far this term has been Dan Burn – someone who’ll have friends and family watching this afternoon close to home, and Potter spoke about what he’s seen from the defender so far this season.
“He knows regardless of his personal situation and who might be watching that it’s a game he needs to focus on and do his best in," he continued.
“He’s a player that always tries his best no matter what you ask him to do, he’s very competitive and very honest.
“He’s waited for his opportunity and that can sometimes happen, he’s taken it well and been good throughout pre-season and every day in training – he can still improve but I’ve been really pleased with him.”
The boss also spoke about Australian midfielder Aaron Mooy ahead of this afternoon’s game with Steve Bruce’s side, emphasising the qualities he brings to the group and what he adds to the team.
“He’s perhaps been a little bit unfortunate from a tactical perspective in terms of having Davy Propper and Dale Stephens in the team.
“He adds another quality in that area, keeps the ball well and plays the ball forward, he adds a goal threat too.
“He’s been working well, obviously he came in late within the window and that can make it harder to break in, but he’s worked perfectly within the group and I’m sure his opportunity will come.
“He’s experienced and knows the situation, you have to just be patient and keep training hard and then football decides when you should play – there’s a lot of games to be played and we want him to enjoy his football here.”