Hughton defends rotation policy

23 September 2009 09:32
Newcastle caretaker boss Chris Hughton admitted it was his decision to field a team of youngsters after watching his side crash out of the Carling Cup at the hands of Peterborough. First-half goals from Craig Mackail-Smith and Tom Williams earned Posh a 2-0 victory and a place in the fourth round. Only three of Newcastle's players were over 23 years of age and only two recognised first-team players started the match. Hughton explained: "I made the decision before the game because we've got players with a few little niggles and lads that have been involved in most of the games so far. I either played them with a risk of them getting injured or field a side of youngsters. In the end it was too much for them. "We knew it would be tough with the side we put out. The performance in the first half was not good enough. We allowed them too much possession and gifted them two goals. We know we rode our luck but certainly I wanted a better performance. "I never spoke to the owner (Mike Ashley) about the team selection. I have to protect the vulnerable ones in our squad. "There is no doubt promotion is the biggest target this season. But I don't want to look upon the cup competitions as something we would be glad to be out of."

Source: Eurosport