Chris Hughton insists he will not have to think twice about selecting Sol Campbell for a Premier League match.
Magpies boss has no qualms about selecting defender
Newcastle manager Chris Hughton insists he will not have to think twice about selecting Sol Campbell for a Premier League match.
The 36-year-old defender, who joined the club on a free transfer in the summer, has not featured heavily for the Magpies since his move, making his senior debut at Chelsea in the Carling Cup before coming on as a substitute at Manchester City last time out.
Hughton believes the former England international still has what it takes to perform at the top level, and the centre-half now seems to have overcome his late start to pre-season training.
"Sol has shown in the games he has played, Chelsea away and coming on at Manchester City, that he is a very solid character and a very solid player," Hughton said.
"There are not too many frills about Sol, he just does the job efficiently and in the manner in which he is used to doing it, so I have never had any fears about him.
"He's an experienced player and he is vocal enough.
"You can gain respect by what you say and by your presence, and the players are aware what a fabulous player he has been and is, so he has been a good influence."
Newcastle will take the field for the first time following the international break when they play Wigan at St James' Park on Saturday.
If Campbell is to start against the Latics he will have to displace either Mike Williamson or Fabricio Coloccini in the heart of defence.
Argentine centre-half Coloccini limped out of the 2-1 defeat to City but is fit and available for the weekend clash.
