Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

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Hughton stands up for Nolan

23 Feb 2009 - 08:01:58

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Newcastle United caretaker Chris Hughton has leapt to the defence of Kevin Nolan following his horror challenge on Everton's Victor Anichebe.

The midfielder was shown a straight red card for a two-footed lunge on the Everton striker in the 44th minute of Sunday's goalless draw at St James' Park.

A contrite Nolan said sorry to Anichebe after waiting in the tunnel to speak to the striker who had to be substituted after the challenge.

But Hughton believes the tackle was accidental and has urged Nolan not to lose his competitive edge.

He said: "Kevin is what he is. He is a competitive player, as are players like Nicky Butt and Steven Taylor.

"It's disappointing that we lose him because he is a good player.

"I would say on the challenge itself that I didn't think there was any intent or malice.

"We accept that he did catch the lad. Kevin has apologised to the lad and also to (Everton boss) David Moyes, and it's one we need to pick ourselves up from and go on from here."

Meanwhile, Hughton believes the point gained was a morale-boosting one after playing for 45 minutes with ten men.

"We knew it was going to be tough to start with against a very good Everton side, although they were missing a couple of players," he added.

"But having gone down to ten men so early, the resilience and the character we showed, this group of lads deserved what they got."