Hughton's future has come under scrutiny with the club yet to hand him a new contract despite his current deal expiring at the end of the season. Before the Magpies' vital Premier League win at West Ham there was growing speculation that owner Mike Ashley was lining up possible successors to replace the former Ireland international. Hughton's problems have also been heightened by the departure of assistant boss Colin Calderwood and the off-the-field troubles of striker Andy Carroll. But he insists he is ignoring the rumours and concentrating solely on lifting Newcastle further up the league table. Hughton said: "It is a pressurised position, there's no doubt about it. "I don't think about the speculation. It is a big enough and demanding enough job not to be worrying about the things that are being said outside the club. "If there are any criticisms I look back at the periods when it has been completely the opposite. "What I am keen to do is look at the positives. One win and we could move up four or five places."
