Hughton comes in for Coyle praise

Bolton manager Owen Coyle has hailed the ‘remarkable’ contribution Chris Hughton has made since taking over at Newcastle.

The two go head-to-head on Saturday in the English Premier League, when Coyle’s men take on the Magpies at the Reebok Stadium.

And Coyle was full of praise for his counterpart, who guided Newcastle out of the Championship and back into England’s top-flight this season.

“Newcastle have been a breath of fresh air this year. You look at the job Chris Hughton has done and it’s truly remarkable,” Coyle said.

“When they went out of the Premier League there was absolute turmoil.”

“The one constant at that football club was how calm and focused Chris stayed, knowing he could bring them back to the Premier League. They did it in tremendous style from the Championship and have carried that on.”

The Wanderers boss was also quick to single out Andy Carroll – fresh from his England debut on Wednesday – as Newcastle’s danger man.

“Andy Carroll is a tremendous player,” he added. “We know how good he is and how dangerous an opponent he will be.”

Bolton lie fifth in the table after a string of good results including wins against Tottenham and away at Wolves, but Coyle is refusing to get carried away with the Trotters’ lofty position.

“We don’t look at league tables – the only table we’re interested in is where you are at the end of the season,” Coyle said. “We’ve made a pleasing start but there’s no rest bite – we know the quality we face from one week to the other.”

There are no fresh injury worries for Bolton ahead of the tie, with Gretar Steinsson back after a one-match suspension.