By Craig Hope

CHRIS Hughton admits that the cornerstone of a successful promotion bid could be Newcastle United's stingy rearguard which currently boats the third best defensive record in the country.

The Magpie target has been breached on just ten occasions in the league so far this season, with nine shutouts recorded from 17 outings.

And, after their latest clean sheet during Monday's 1-0 win at Preston, boss Hughton paid tribute to his resilient backline.

"Certainly at the back we're looking very strong at the moment," said Hughton as he reflected on a fourth straight victory.

"We've managed to have a fairly settled defence this season and that has shown.

"There is a lot of experience back there and also an awful lot of quality.

"That we've won five games by a goal to nil shows how important they have been.

"But we defend as a team and credit must also go the midfielders and forwards; you just have to look at the defensive work Andy Carroll did as Sheff United as a good example of that.

"If you're keeping clean sheets, though, you will always be picking up points, and more often than not victories."