Preston North End boss Irvine worked with the likes of Shola Ameobi and Steven Taylor during his time as Newcastle's Academy director.

Irvine left St James's Park to become David Moyes's assistant at Everton, before becoming manager at Preston exactly two years ago.

And Hughton is full of praise for the job Irvine has done at Deepdale.

"Alan Irvine is somebody people at Newcastle know very well," Hughton told the Gazette.

"He's done a tremendous job to keep Preston at the level they are at for the last few seasons.

"It will be very, very tough. I know Alan quite well, and he's a very good coach and manager.

"That's why he is where he is, and has done as well as he has done.

"He's very well thought of here at Newcastle still, but that's his qualities. It's not a surprise.

"He will know the team and what a lot of our players can do because he has worked with them.

"He'll also know what we can do from our form this season."