CHRIS Hughton has backed Newcastle to get out of relegation trouble – and hopes Alan Pardew and other managers should be given more time.

Hughton has pin-pointed injuries as the main reason for United’s struggles, and even though Yohan Cabaye will be in the squad for the journey to Carrow Road Newcastle look under-strength for the East Anglia trip.

When they come back, former Magpies chief Hughton is sure they’ll be out of relegation bother.

He said: “When a team is not having one of their better runs there is generally an answer. Certainly where Newcastle are at the moment, I think the fact they have had the injuries they have had and been involved in the Europa League has stretched the squad.

“Perhaps without the injuries they would have been able to cope with it a lot better than they have.

“Any club in the exact same position would have found it tough to have coped with both of those aspects, but they do have good players.

“Most people expect, once they have their bigger players and injured players back, they will start climbing up the league.”

Hughton (right) will take charge of a team against Newcastle for the second time since his harsh sacking and was at pains not to be drawn on his successor.

However, he did say all bosses should be afforded time and patience – even when results aren’t going for them.

Hughton added: “Anything at Newcastle is not my concern. My only concern is here and the job I am doing here.

“In general, though, yes, we would like to see managers given more time, to be given opportunities to put their stamp on the club and to go through difficult times.