If Mike Ashley insists there is no money for players in the January transfer window (as he does), Hughton insists Alan Smith is not for sale.
Hughton: “It is always difficult for a player who is not playing when he is used to playing.
“It is never an easy time but that is the nature of the game.
“We have a competitive squad and the fact he has been left out shows Cheik has come in and played very well.
“He understands that. He is a very good individual, very much a team and squad player off the pitch. He is very conscious of the spirit we try to work on here and he is very much part of that.
“He is a very good pro. I thought he did very well when he played at the start of the season.
“When he has played, he has played in the correct manner.
“There is the other side of the game, youthfulness when they play every game or there is experience and generally when he has played, he has played in the correct manner and uses his experience.
“It is important that we do not lose players.
“I do not anticipate anyone coming in in January and if that is the case, I do not want anyone going out.”