Earlier this season, Hughton – whose side take on Derby County at Pride Park tomorrow – says his team virtually picked itself.

But having signed six players last month, Hughton – who has fit-again Shola Ameobi pushing for a recall – has decisions to make on team selection.

Midfielder Alan Smith is available after missing the Cardiff game because of a thigh injury, but defender Fabricio Coloccini (hamstring) is touch and go to line up for the Championship leaders, and Nicky Butt is definitely out.

"The team isn't picking itself like it was early in the season," said Hughton.

"We want competition for places, and when anybody comes in, we demand certain qualities from them.

"They have to show the determination and spirit like we did on Friday night against Cardiff.

"I don't mind having difficult decisions to make, that has to be a good thing.

"I'm expecting it to be tough. There will be a full house at Derby, and they won't be making it easy, but we've got to harden ourselves to that, because this is what it'll be like in the run-in from here on in."

Meanwhile, England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce was at St James's Park on Friday night to see Andy Carroll star in United's 5-1 win over Cardiff City.

Carroll – who scored two goals to take his tally for the season to eight – impressed Pearce, who is marking senior boss Fabio Capello's card about players who could breakthrough into the full set-up after this summer's World Cup.

"Playing in the Championship at Newcastle has given him the chance to establish himself this season, but the big test for him will be if Newcastle are back in the Premier League and he continues to do it," said a Football Association source.

"The England manager isn't ruling out a few new faces coming into the equation after this summer's World Cup. Andy's one of about half a dozen lads who are under consideration."

* Graham Carr, dad of TV funnyman Alan, is the new chief scout at Newcastle United.

Corbridge-born Carr, 65, had left his native north east after failing to make the grade at St James's Park, going on to start his playing career at Northampton Town.

Carr also had a long career in management before going into scouting.