 CHRIS Hughton will not press Jonas Gutierrez into filling Newcastle United’s problem right-back slot when he returns from World Cup duty. United fans are used to seeing Gutierrez galloping down the wings at St James’ Park – but he has been part of Argentina’s back four in South Africa. It is a move which has attracted criticism from TV pundits like Alan Shearer, but Diego Maradona’s side boast a 100% record so far – and Hughton admits the defensive side of Gutierrez’s game is impressive. Gutierrez misses Argentina’s final group game against Greece tonight through suspension, but is set to return at right-back for the knock-out stages. Even so, Hughton will not considering him in that more defensive role for Newcastle – despite first choice Danny Simpson being ruled out for the first month of the Premier League season. Hughton said: “I spoke to him the day before the Nigeria game and I knew he was going to be playing there. The Argentina coach likes him there and played him at right-back before the World Cup. “I have not considered him there, but I know it a position which at certain stages Jonas can drop into as he is good at the defensive side of the game. “However, it is not a position for which I will be considering him.” Bringing in a new right-back is not understood to be a priority for Hughton, but he has not ruled out dipping into the transfer market to replace the injured Simpson. The United boss remains open-minded, but insists Ryan Taylor will get a chance to stake his claim in pre-season. He added: “My priority is to make sure we are covered in every area by the start of the season. “That might mean looking for someone else if that gives us the right level of competition. “It is not necessarily going to be the case that we bring someone else in. “We already have players who can play that position, and it is something we will have to look at closely.” | 
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