By Craig Hope

WING-wizard Wayne Routledge was singled out for special praise by boss Chris Hughton following his livewire display during the 5-1 mauling of Cardiff City.

The 25-year-old, making his full home debut, proved a constant worry for a Bluebirds backline which was under siege from the first whistle at Gallowgate.

Routledge refused to afford his assigned handler a moment's rest throughout the 90 minutes and laid on United's fourth with a slick throughball for Peter Lovenkrands.

And, afterwards, gaffer Hughton spoke of his delight with the new boy's dynamic display.

"I was delighted with Wayne," he said, "Over the 90-odd minutes, you saw the type of player he is.

"I know him very well from my days at Spurs when we brought him in from Crystal Palace.

"Apart from a player with tremendous skills, he also has a very high work-rate; he is able to get up and down that line.

"For somebody who is not the biggest, he is a psychically strong lad as well and I think he will be a great addition for us."