Player-coach Fab Flournoy is focused on finding the consistency that has been the foundation of Newcastle Eagles’ success in recent years, with Friday’s clash against Sheffield Sharks on the horizon.

Reigning champions Eagles lost their first game of the season, at home to Worcester Wolves before bouncing back to defeat Durham Wildcats last Sunday.

But Flournoy, fresh from reaching 4,000 career points in the BBL, already has a clear picture of his team’s talent, all they need to add is the consistency.

“I know the level of the team we have, the task is attain a degree of consistency in relation to meeting the standards that we set,” said Flournoy.

“Our team basically needs to play games, we have been together for five weeks but only played four games and there is only so far you can get in practice.

“One good thing about the BBL is that those games are going to be coming thick and fast soon enough.”

Eagles edged Sharks to the BBL Championship last season and Sharks too have already dropped a game this term, following a narrow defeat at Manchester Giants.

But having returned the core of a team that lost just six league games last season, Flournoy anticipates more of the same from Sharks.

“Sheffield are a tough, consistent and very competitive team,” added Flournoy.

“They have a core of players who know the system and have added an athletic American in Allen Payne. We expect nothing but a very tough battle.”

Last time they met:

Newcastle Eagles 82 Sheffield Sharks (BBL Championship, Sport Central, 04/04/2014)

What they say:

Sharks forward Patrick Horstmann: “We know each other well early in the season which should help us to make sure everyone is used to their strengths.

“Newcastle is a tough team to beat, especially at home. They put a lot of pressure on you with their defensive schemes so we need to take care of the ball and make sure we take good shots. I expect a tough battle.”