Simpson urged to prove the doubters wrong

Jan 22 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

CHRIS Hughton has challenged Danny Simpson to prove he is a Premier League player after clinching a deal for the Manchester United defender.

Simpson signed a three-year contract at St James’ Park on Wednesday night and Newcastle boss Hughton believes that stability will give the Salford-born right-back the perfect platform to develop his game and prove his Old Trafford doubters wrong.

The 23-year-old was tipped for big things when he broke through at Manchester United but found his path to the first team blocked by established internationals like Gary Neville, Wes Brown and John O’Shea.

He left on loan for Sunderland and Ipswich but has enjoyed his best and most prolonged spell of football on Tyneside – where Hughton believes he will only get better.

Ironically, Simpson’s signing comes after the difficult night he endured against West Brom but Hughton (inset) argues it is unfair to judge him on one match – especially a game where he played through an ankle injury.

“He’s a youngish player, not young, but you’ve got to look at his contribution so far,” he said.

“Everybody will have good and bad days, a forward will be up and down or might be playing with a knock. He’s a tough lad and irrespective of his form even when he’s not done so well he’s there biting back for the next one.

“He’s still developing and as with a lot of lads coming from big clubs that don’t play there they go out on loan and I’d think this is his most consistent period of senior football. For that reason and the fact he’s coped with it, he’s capable of getting better.