Hughes eyes tough Euro tests

Silverware has continued to prove frustratingly elusive for Newcastle despite several near-misses in recent years so the UEFA Cup is proving a tantalising competition for the Magpies.

Newcastle defender Aaron Hughes is confident of overturning Bobby Robson’s old side PSV Eindhoven to earn a semi-final against either Marseille or Inter Milan – especially as the second leg is at home next week.

Though Hughes also warned that PSV, coached by Guus Hiddink, represent their toughest opponents in the UEFA Cup so far.

Hughes told Newcastle’s official website, www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk: “In cup competitions the games get harder with every round you progress, and that is certainly the case in this tie against PSV Eindhoven.

“We were comfortable in the early rounds, and it’s got progressively tougher since then and I’ve no doubt that PSV will be the toughest test yet for us.

“When you look at Dutch football you think of the big three as Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord, and even though they’re not doing as well as they’d like in the championship they are still a quality side.

“We’re in the last eight and it’s an exciting time for us. As it’s our last chance of silverware this season we’ll certainly be giving it our best shot.

“We’re confident of making progress. Playing in the Champions League last year, we came up against some very good teams and we have nothing to be afraid of.”

Hughes was on the bench when PSV beat Newcastle home and away in the Champions League in October 1997, a year after they were knocked out of the UEFA Cup quarter-finals by Monaco.