Chris Hughton: We’ll not become complacent

Sep 30 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

United will have Jonás Gutiérrez back in contention for the QPR clash, while loan man Danny Simpson has passed a fitness test and will return at right-back. Fabricio Coloccini will miss out, however, and in-form midfielder Ryan Taylor will not be risked as Hughton keeps one eye on United’s home clash with Bristol City on Saturday.

The games continue to come thick and fast for United’s experienced campaigners and Hughton admits that his players are only just getting used to being in action twice a week.

“I think they will be able to cope with it,” he said. “But there is no doubt that there are squads in the division that are more used to playing twice a week – the battle-hardened Championship squads, if you will.

“It is something that we are adapting to because we have to. But it’s obviously important to keep the players fit.”

Almost unnoticed, Hughton has now taken the team for as long as Alan Shearer did at the end of last season – but the United coach says no one has been in touch with him about turning his appointment into a permanent role. “I am still caretaker – that is still my official title. But I think nothing has happened on the ownership at the moment so we’ll continue as we are,” Hughton added.

Meanwhile, Hughton played down reports that Joey Barton may be missing into the New Year after suffering a fresh foot injury setback.

With Shola Ameobi not back until at least January, United can ill afford long-term injuries to their key senior men, but Hughton appeared to suggest that the former Manchester City man won’t be missing too many games.

“He played through two games with it. It’s a blow because Joey’s a quality player and you want all your quality players (available),” he said.

“He certainly won’t be fit for tomorrow or Saturday, but I would like to think that he is not too far away.”