Cole Long has the character, commitment and quality to become a true crowd favourite at Newcastle Eagles.

That’s the verdict of head coach Marc Steutel who believes the canny Canadian is on the cusp of his best form yet.

Long released the shackles prior to the international break with a blistering display from beyond the arc against Surrey 89ers.

And Steutel will throw his do-it-all forward into the heat of tonight’s Championship battle with bogey side Cheshire Phoenix excited to see more of the same.

“I describe Cole as the archetypal Newcastle Eagles player,” said Steutel, as he prepared for the visit of high-flying Phoenix.

“He loves the community, loves the organisation and loves everything about being here.

“He says to me that he wakes up every morning with a spring in his step and wanting to get to work.

“Cole’s had a journey to get here and a journey that hasn’t always been easy.

“Starting his professional career in Norway was tough but it says a lot about his quality and character that he was recruited by the same head coach when he moved to Sweden.

“It’s a testament to who Cole is that he’s really kicked on with his career and we were thrilled to sign him in the summer.

“There are things that he can still do better but when he’s defending the way he did in Warsaw this week and shooting like he did against Surrey he opens up the game for everyone.”

Long’s value to an evolving Newcastle team was never more evident than during the toughest moments of a hard-fought win against Rickey McGill’s Dziki Warszawa on Tuesday.

If the space to shoot wasn’t always there in Poland then the in-form Eagles favourite still found plenty of ways to impact upon the game as Long added four assists to his four rebounds in just 12 minutes.

Steutel was delighted with the victory that kept Newcastle unbeaten in the European North Basketball League (ENBL) but now attention turns to a Cheshire side that’s already bagged two wins against the men in black this season.

“I thought for the club, for the team, for everyone involved, Tuesday was a really, really big and impactful win,” he added.

“I’m proud to get that one in the books given the circumstances. Once again we saw the toughness of this group and we found a way to win in difficult circumstances.

“With Phoenix we’ve got to understand that we’ve progressed from when we played them early on in the season.

“They’ve got different guys in rhythm from when we played them in the Trophy but at the same time we’re looking strong.

“I had nine fit senior players to choose from in Poland and that hasn’t happened so far this season.

“Tyreek Scott-Grayson is in a good run of form for Cheshire at the moment and we’re aware of the threat that he carries.

“But we know all about their identity and their style — it’s very clear.

“We have to try to find ways to attack Phoenix and exploit them and ultimately make more winning plays on the night. That’s our focus.”

Darius Defoe’s surprise return to action in Warsaw was a welcome sight for the travelling Eagles’ fans and Will Neighbour is edging closer to a Super League Basketball return.

Jared Bynum was unable to travel to Poland due to an administrative issue but Steutel was able to hand new signing Christian James a Newcastle debut.

“I was really impressed with Christian,” added the Eagles’ playcaller.  “It’s always difficult to make your debut mid-season when you’re trying to get integrated and acclimated.

“So I need to give a massive shout out to coach Stronach and the rest of the staff, who did a really good job of trying to get Christian up to speed.

“I thought he was impactful against Dziki and I thought he made the right plays.

“Christian’s intent was really good and defensively he found a way to get connected with the guys.”

Tonight’s top four clash against Cheshire at the Vertu Motors Arena tips off at 7.30pm. Remaining tickets are available on the box office.