Hughton full of respect for Owls

26 December 2009 11:08
NEWCASTLE manager Chris Hughton says his side will not underestimate Sheffield Wednesday in today's Championship meeting.[LNB] History and recent form suggest the contest, scheduled for a 12.45pm kick-off, will be a formality for United.[LNB] The club remain unbeaten at Hillsbrough since 1987, while it is ten games since the Magpies had their wings clipped in defeat.[LNB] Wednesday are third bottom, three points and six goals worse off than Ipswich, the team immediately above them. The south Yorkshire side have not found the net in six games, or in 617 minutes, which cost manager Brian Laws his job.[LNB] Former United starlet Steve Watson is assisting Sean McAuley for the Tynesiders' visit, while the club look for a permanent boss.[LNB] But with Newcastle not tasting victory away from home on a Boxing Day since 1988, ironically against Wednesday at Hillsbrough, the visitors may not have it all their own way.[LNB] We don't take into consideration because you can be sure they will score at some stage, warned Hughton, whose side are ten points clear at the top.[LNB] All we can do is to prepare ourselves the way we would.[LNB] They were a very good team when they visited St James' Park this season. On their day they can be a good side.[LNB] Hughton expects to have skipper Alan Smith back from injury today, while striker Andy Carroll returns from his one-match suspension.[LNB] The Newcastle manager has successfully rotated his squad this term and it would not be a total surprise to see both Smith and Carroll return in place of Nicky Butt and Shola Ameobi, with Derby County due at St James' Park two days later.[LNB] Hughton, as ever, remained tight-lipped over his selection policy.[LNB] We need to address the first game and pick a team for the first game, said the 51- year-old chief.[LNB] Thoughts for the second game might change after the first game because of a performance or because of an injury.[LNB] At this moment it is about winning the first game at Sheffield Wednesday and then addressing the second game at home.[LNB] The game marks the end of Marlon Harewood's loan spell and Hughton admits the club has a few decisions to make ahead of next month's transfer window. He did receive a boost, however, when managing director Derek Llambias made it known he will be backed in his dealings.[LNB] Nothing has definitely been done and we have decisions to make on some players, although not a lot, said Hughton, who has been linked with Sheffield United centre-back Matthew Kilgallon and Rangers striker Kris Boyd recently.[LNB] We have the centre forward issue with Marlon Harewood, the centre half issue with Zurab Khizvinilli and the issue at right back with Danny Simpson.[LNB] They all have to be addressed.[LNB] We have Ryan Taylor, who can play at right back and that is probably his best position. But Danny Simpson has done very well and we have to look at our options and make decisions.[LNB]

Source: Northern_Echo