Hughes was at one time thought to be a leading contender to become Newcastle boss in January after Sam Allardyce was sacked.Hughes Looking For Win At St James' Park!
Hughes was at one time thought to be a leading contender to become Newcastle boss in January after Sam Allardyce was sacked.But he kept his distance from the speculation for a while, then signed a new contract at Ewood Park when the heat was rising.
Kevin Keegan ultimately returned for a second stint at St James' Park and Hughes has again stressed his happiness at Blackburn.
Hughes: "It's all in the past now.
"It was always speculation. I took a step back and tried to keep my distance and got criticised for that.
"But I always said I was happy at Blackburn and that's still the case, so it's not something I worry about day-in, day-out.
"I certainly don't feel like I'm going up there with anything to prove to anyone. We just see it as a chance to boost our European ambitions."
"Two years ago, when we finished sixth, we had 43 points at this stage. Now we have 42, but it will be more difficult this year.
"We look at the fixtures coming up and we see some winnable games. We've got 11 to come and we're going to have to win six or seven of them.
"We have to view Newcastle as a winnable game. But it's a big challenge going up there."