 CHRIS HUGHTON has warned his side that Preston North End will go into Monday’s game with the Magpies determined to prove a point to their home fans. The United boss feels that the Lilywhites’ barren run of three games without a victory overall and no wins at their Deepdale ground since September has added an extra edge to the next stop on Newcastle’s Coca-Cola Championship tour. Hughton – who ran the rule over French trialist Fabrice Pancrate last night at St James’ Park – told the Chronicle: “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 way we looked at Sheffield United who also hadn't won for a while. “They are a side who 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.” Hughton watched on from the Milburn Stand alongside managing director Derek Llambias and was impressed by French winger Pancrate after a solid and productive display from the ex-Paris St Germain man. Yet he will make further assessments on the player this week before making a decision to sign him on a permanent basis. He added: “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.” Former Republic of Ireland star Hughton will take a break from domestic duties tonight when he watches the country he represented 53 times take on France in Paris in the second leg of their World Cup play-off. And the ex-Eire international says: “It’s a big game for me. France have got the upper hand, but the longer the game goes at 0-0 on the night, the more tense it becomes.” | 
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