Newcastle United boss Hughton wants another player

Sep 26 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

CHRIS Hughton has not given up hope of persuading the Newcastle United board to let him sign another player on loan following the arrival of Marlon Harewood from Aston Villa.

Harewood will be on the bench at Portman Road alongside another loan signing Zurab Khizanishvili, but Hughton is still concerned about a lack of cover in the squad. His chief worry is down the left flank where Jose Enrique remains the only specialist left-back and Peter Lovenkrands is the only specialist left-footed player who can play in a more attacking role.

With that in mind, Hughton is still looking for potential signings, although he conceded he may have to react to injuries rather than get cover in before they happen because of a lack of money at St James’s Park.

He said: “I think it is all about injuries. In the early part of the season, we were quite fortunate regarding injuries, but if we were to pick up a few, then probably another two players are needed. We are actively looking and will continue looking. What we are able to do is assess that as we go along, so that if we go through a period when we have got a few injuries, we would be at a stage when we wouldn’t hesitate to bring players in, providing they were the right ones.

“What we also take into consideration, is that we have a group of young lads that have been training with the senior players and we do feel they can develop this squad.”

Meanwhile, Harewood has revealed he aims to rebuild a faltering career at Newcastle having lost his way under Martin O’Neill at Villa. The 30-year-old, who has started just one Premier League game in two seasons with Villa, is close to full match fitness as he did feature in their pre-season preparations before suffering the foot injury which delayed his move to Tyneside for more than a fortnight. He said: “I just can’t wait for my debut. Whether it comes at Ipswich or in front of what I hope will be a packed house at St James’s Park.

“That is one of the greatest things about signing. The potential to play in front of 52,000 fans is a very special one. I’m delighted to sign for like Newcastle. I’m fit and raring to go and really believe I am at one of the biggest clubs there is.”