Newcastle United FC

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Hughton's selection is justified

18 Feb 2010 - 15:21:52

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Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton raised a few eyebrows on Wednesday evening after opting to start with Danny Guthrie in central midfield ahead of captain Alan Smith in the Championship clash against Coventry City.

However, the former Liverpool man and Bolton Wanderers loanee took the plaudits after his side's 4-1 success.

He played an integral role in the dominant victory and his performance is likely to keep Nicky Butt, Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton on their toes as well as skipper Smith.

Speaking after the game, Hughton said: "Danny and Kevin played in the Cardiff game (a 5-1 win), which was obviously a wonderful performance here. I just wanted to be a little bit more offensive.

"Danny's had a good season for us. He's a player who can play anywhere across midfield, but he prefers it in the centre.

"What we have is competition. It's a position you have to fight for. You have to prove you're worthy of playing in front of others.

"One thing he does give us is a bit of creativity in there. If I look at the job Alan Smith and Nicky Butt have done, they're very good team players."