Hughton charged with fixing Newcastle defence

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan hopes the experience of coach Chris Hughton will help to shore up his ailing defence.

Former Tottenham assistant boss Hughton started work at St James' Park today and the 49-year-old has been handed the task of plugging the gaps in one of the leakiest back lines in the top flight.

The 5-1 humbling against Manchester United on Saturday was the latest in a long line of defensive horror shows this term.

Keegan believes the former Republic of Ireland full-back has the right pedigree to turn things around alongside fellow coach Steve Round.

Keegan told The Chronicle newspaper: "Defensively, we need some work on shape and I think Steve and him will be a really good force together on the training pitch.

"That's where we've got to work on things to get it right here.

"He's good with players and good around players. He's got a good way with them. He's an experienced player himself, so they know when he's saying it, he's been there and done it himself."