Hughton backs Marlon Harewood despite boos

Nov 7 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

MARLON Harewood has been backed to show his best form at Newcastle United, writes STUART RAYNER.

Despite finding the net on his home debut, the much-travelled 30-year-old has failed to win fans over since joining on loan from Aston Villa in September.

But manager Chris Hughton says he has been delighted with the front man’s attitude, and has never considered cutting short the temporary stay of a player booed by his own fans last month.

“We knew he had missed a fair chunk of pre-season, that he had to get fitter when he was here,” Hughton admitted. “He has shown great aptitude in training, and fitted in with the lads well. As with all strikers, he just needs that goal and display which will lift his confidence. We are sticking with him.”

Harewood could well get that opportunity if, as expected, Newcastle opt for a 4-4-2 formation at home to relegation-threatened Peterborough United today. The 2006 FA Cup finalist will be hoping for his fourth start for the club, and another opportunity to add to his solitary goal against Queens Park Rangers. Harewood’s loan is due to expire at the end of the year, when the transfer window opens for permanent transfers.

This afternoon’s game pits the Championship’s best-supported team against its third-worst but Joe Lewis insists Posh – who have played in front of average league gates of 9,115 at London Road this term – will not be intimidated by the St James’ Park atmosphere.

“There is no way that is going to happen – not a chance,” said the England Under-21 goalkeeper. “There was a massive 30,000-plus crowd and not an empty seat to be seen at Derby on the opening day of the season. We came through that test well and were really unlucky to lose the game.

“Newcastle will be under a lot more pressure than us on the day. There is a huge level of expectation up there, and everyone on the outside will see this fixture as a simple three points for Newcastle.

“Even if Newcastle do get the win, we certainly won’t have made it easy for them. We will stick to the work ethic that has served us so well during two great seasons.”