BRAD Friedel has backed Graeme Souness to turn the tide on Tyneside.

The giant American goalkeeper, who was brought to Blackburn by Souness in 2000, believes his former boss will be a success at Newcastle.

But Friedel has already put the Scot's departure to the back of his mind.

"I think they will enjoy having him up there," the 33-year-old said.

"But that's not really my concern. My concern is playing Newcastle on Saturday.

"I wish him (Souness) the best up at Newcastle, but I also wish better for Blackburn."

Souness has been charged with ridding the 'brat pack' mentality at St James' Park, which reared its head most recently when Kieron Dyer refused to play in right midfield for ousted Magpies' chief Sir Bobby Robson, while Craig Bellamy criticised his former manager's tactics in a television interview.

But Friedel revealed the ex-Rovers chief isn't the hard man that most people perceive him to be.

"He's more mellow and quiet than he used to be. But he will mould the team into the team he wants it to be," he said.

"He (Souness) is as good as anyone out there and if he goes up and gets a bit of luck I'm sure they will be winning a trophy."

Meanwhile, Friedel admitted that the squad hadn't been drawn into speculation as to who the new Rovers manager might be.

"I don't care who comes in as long as it's an ambitious manager or a good manager," he said.