By Craig Hope

HAVING terrified the visiting backline during a pulsating opening to Wednesday's 3-0 victory over Scunthorpe, Chris Hughton believes that Wayne Routledge served an instant reminder of his attacking threat following a four-game absence.

Back from a calf layoff, the winger wasted no time in driving at the Iron rearguard and, from his weaving run and incisive through slip, Peter Lovenkrands lifted home United's second on 22 minutes.

"It was a great run and through ball," said Hughton of that assist after watching Routledge come through the full 90 minutes.

"I thought his overall contribution was very good and he gives us a different dimension in wide areas.

"Physically he's a very fit and strong boy and it was pleasing to see him come through the whole game and still be going well in the second half.

"He took a whack just after half-time but picked himself to get on with it.

"He showed his value to the team tonight and it's a major boost to have him back."