Chris Hughton has admitted he is not looking forward to the prospect of facing West Bromwich Albion twice in a week after Newcastle were drawn against the Baggies in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup.
Newcastle still have to beat Plymouth in their replay next week following the goalless draw at Home Park, but the Magpies could not have had a tougher draw against non- top flight opposition than their closest rivals in the Championship.
Chris Hughton: “We still have to get past Plymouth and we’re not taking anything for granted with that one.
"I thought we should have won the game down there, but they have been to St James’ once this season and played very well so it will be another tough game for us, albeit one at home which we are confident of winning.
“It’s disappointing we have got another away game in the next round and, outside of the Premier League, this was the toughest game we could have got as we’re away at our closest rivals in the Championship.
“They are a very good side and we’ll have to play them two weekends in a row now, once in the league and once in the cup.”