ALAN PARDEW has hailed David Moyes as “one of the best in the world” as he prepared to go head-to-head with the Everton FC manager.

Pardew’s Newcastle United entertain Moyes and his players on Saturday hoping to extend their unbeaten start to the Premier League season.

The Magpies moved up to third position with a 3-1 win at Stoke City on Monday night.

Along with Manchester City, they are the only team to have yet lost in the top flight, with a trip to Eastlands to come later in the month.

But before then, manager Pardew admits Newcastle will do well to come away with a draw in their clash against Moyes and his players this weekend.

“I think we have an immediate goal in front of us,” he said. “We are playing against an Everton side on Saturday who have some good players and a manager who is one of the best in the world.

“If we can get through that game – even get a point – and get to Manchester City unbeaten that would be fantastic. That would be my immediate goal to the team.

“We are not really looking at the bigger picture, we are looking at the next game and if we can focus on that we can have a really good season.”

Everton will be without Marouane Fellaini for the trip to St James’ Park, the Belgian serving a one-match suspension after accruing five bookings this season.

And Jack Rodwell believes the in-form Belgium international will be a big miss – while setting his sights on a lengthy union with his colleague.