Source: Northern_Echo
Hughton continues to back Perch
CHRIS Hughton will keep faith with under-fire full-back James Perch when Newcastle visit Manchester City tomorrow afternoon.[LNB] Perch picked up five bookings in his opening five matches as he struggled to come to terms with life in the Premier League in the opening month of the season.[LNB] His fortunes dipped further last Sunday as his 85th-minute own goal condemned the Magpies to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Stoke City.[LNB] Hughton was quick to offer his support to the 25-year-old in the wake of Sunday's game, and has been delighted with the defender's response to the setback.[LNB] "His confidence is absolutely fine," said the Newcastle boss. "He's a player who is still developing at this level.[LNB] "It was one of those unfortunate incidents which players go through from time to time, but the important thing is that he bounces back. He has certainly trained very well."[LNB] Ryan Taylor offers an alternative option at right-back, while Danny Simpson could be available to return to the reserves next week following a lengthy injury lay off.[LNB] However, Hughton appears determined to persevere with Perch, who cost £1m when he moved from Nottingham Forest at the start of the summer.[LNB] That is not to say he will not make any changes from last weekend, though, with the defeat to the Potters having dampened much of the euphoria that accompanied back-to-back away wins over Everton and Chelsea.[LNB] "We have a competitive squad and, at the moment, we have a lot of fit players who are pushing hard for a starting role, which is very healthy," said Hughton.[LNB] "It's hard though because, unless you have a midweek game, you are really working from game to game. Any changes have to be made on the back of the last game. I just want a healthy squad pushing for places."[LNB] Tomorrow's game will provide a significant test of Newcastle's new-found resilience on their travels, with City having claimed seven points from their opening three home games.[LNB] Hughton was at the City of Manchester Stadium on Thursday as Roberto Mancini's side drew 1-1 with Juventus, and has been impressed by the flexibility of a team he expects to be challenging for honours this season.[LNB] "They have so much quality," he said. "You only have to look at the bench (on Thursday) and then at the players sitting in the stands.[LNB] "What they are able to do particularly well is change tactics. I watched them against Chelsea last week and they have brought in the quality needed to win things. They're definitely a team on the up."[LNB]
