“We continually drive that home to these young players. There are a lot of distractions there for young men in a city like this, but they are professional footballers and they have to remember that.
“Preparation and recuperation have to be key.
“This league drives it home even more because of the number of games we have to play.
“I have been delighted with their attitude so far, but it is something we will continue to keep a close eye on because they have an important role to play for the team this season.”
Despite United’s excellent results in recent weeks, seasoned campaigners will probably feel things had been a little too quiet off the pitch given the club’s propensity for controversy.
Nevertheless, Hughton is confident the players will not to be knocked out of their stride by a few sensational headlines about one of their players as he warned them to expect another tough night at the Ricoh Arena.
He said: “We know from the experiences of other teams that have been in the position we’re in. You’re there to be shot down, more pressure is applied on you, results are examined even more so and it’s for others to gather up the momentum to make the gap smaller. If anything, it’s even more important that we’re a side that continues to do what we’ve done and really has to concentrate on our own games and qualities.
“There’s always something (to deal with as a distraction).
“If I look at how we started, I don’t think people expected us to lose at Scunthorpe, but we’re aware that if we’re not on the top of our game that we’re there to be beaten.
“I think this is a big test for us this week, two away games (against Coventry and Barnsley) , albeit one against a team that isn’t in such good form.
“The other (Barnsley) is with a new manager.
“But they’re two away games and you know you’re not going to get too many comfortable away games.”
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