United will take their time over Fab decision
NEWCASTLE United will continue to monitor on-trial winger Fabrice Pancrate after the Frenchman impressed for the reserves last night.
The 29-year-old played 80 minutes for United's second string as they beat Hartlepool 3-2 at St James's Park last night.
Manager Chris Hughton was among a crowd of almost 1,400, and watched from the Milburn Stand alongside managing director Derek Llambias as the ex-Paris St Germain man produced a solid display.
And he will make further assessments on the player this week before making a decision over whether to sign him on a permanent basis.
Hughton said: "It's normal that anybody you have on trial you continue to assess.
"I'm speaking with the staff over the next couple of days. We'll make decisions over the next few days.
"His performance was good and he did very well. He's not young and inexperienced – he's played at a good level.
"What we were looking for from him was the correct application, and he had a hand in two of the goals. I think that's all you can ask for."
Amble youngster Phil Airey scored twice for United, along with Danish striker Peter Lovenkrands, but Hughton's focus now is preparing the first team for Monday night's Championship clash with Preston.
The Deepdale outfit are managed by former Newcastle Academy boss Alan Irvine, and have struggled for form lately after starting the season well.
Hughton, however, believes North End will still be among the promotion challengers at the end of the season.
He added: "It's been a case of back to work for us at training.
"It's a tough game coming up against Preston. We're looking at it in the same we looked at Sheffield United, who also hadn't won for a while.
"They are a side that are constantly challenging in this division and regular play-off challengers – even if they haven't had the best of runs of late.
"They are one of the top five or six teams.
"All of the teams have had a break, but out of Newcastle and Preston, we'll see who has welcomed the break the most."
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 11 February 2012
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