Chris not looking too far ahead; HUGHTON ONLY HAS EYES ON PROMOTION.

Byline: Mark Douglas 

CHRIS Hughton says his January recruitment drive will concentrate on bringing in battle-hardened Championship performers who can help get Newcastle United into the Premier League rather than readymade top-flight performers. Having opened up a six-point gap to the play-off places, United are handily placed for an instant return to the Premier League - but Hughton says that will not influence his January spending. As United have found out to their cost in recent seasons, the New Year transfer window is a notoriously tricky time to make additions on a limited budget, and with the club still counting the cost of relegation reluctant owner Mike Ashley will not sanction big spending.

That leaves Hughton with the choice between bringing in young players capable of developing their game over the next six months or proven second tier performers - with the United boss appearing to favour the latter.

His thinking has certainly been influenced by the bright start his side have made, with Hughton eyeing decent squad players rather than men capable of usurping the likes of Alan Smith, Kevin Nolan and Andrew Carroll.

United have begun negotiations with Fabrice Pancrate's representatives as they look to tie him up until the end of the season but a deal will only be struck if Hughton can get the Paris Saint Germain winger for the right price.

And it is likely that will set the trend for the turn of the year, with Hughton's focus solely on this season and building for the future on the back burner.

"The most important thing for me is this season," he said. "We are a third through the season, so it is difficult to think the about Premier League. I know it will continue to be very tough. Our one aim is to get through this campaign and gain promotion. If we are fortunate enough to get promoted I think there are issues which can be very much dealt with at that time. "I have been told it's for me to identify the players i want. I have no fears of bringing somebody in who I feel needs to come in on loan or on a permanent deal. "If I feel it's right I will put it to the board and hope to get their backing." Hughton is also quick to point out the importance of squad members yet to make an impact, such as the handsomely- rewarded Geremi and recent signing Peter Lovenkrands. Geremi struggled to get into the game in his single start at Scunthorpe this season but had a useful run out for Cameroon during the week. Lovenkrands impressed Hughton with a goalscoring performance for the reserves against Hartlepool. The United manager was also pleased with the emerging talent that the club has below the first team, singling out Newcastle-born striker Phil Airey for particular praise. "Peter had a good run out in the reserves, he has missed a little bit of football," Hughton said. "Unfortunately he has had a couple of small injuries and a personal family issue that has restricted the amount of football that he has played. Wednesday night was a real good opportunity to see him and he performed well and gives us an option. "I was delighted with the way the reserves played and delighted to see the young talent that we have. Phil Airey caught the eye, Stephen Folan, Dan Lead - bitter at right-back and Grievesy (Richard Grieves) at centre-half as well." Meanwhile, United have agreed to let third-choice goalkeeper Fraser Forster remain at Norwich City until the end of the season. The highly-rated Forster has kept eight clean sheets in 12 games for the Canaries as Paul Lambert's side battle for promotion, and Hughton has allowed him to stay at Carrow Road until the end of the campaign.