AARON Hughes has admitted that Newcastle will be sailing into uncharted waters when they take on Israeli minnows Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin in the first round of the UEFA Cup tomorrow night.

The Israeli Cup winners made history last month when they became the first Arab side to represent Israel in European competition as they beat Albanian side Partizani Tirani.

But, while Sakhnin's success has been well documented in their homeland, few in England are aware of the poorest club in the Israeli Premier League.

Newcastle should have no problems disposing of a side who hail from a village of just 20,000 residents.

And, after admitting he had never heard of Sakhnin before the first-round draw, Hughes is confident new boss Graeme Souness will enjoy a winning start to his United career.

"They're definitely a bit of an unknown quantity," said the Northern Ireland international, who will be making his 35th European appearance for the Magpies tomorrow.

"I hope somebody's been watching them because I don't think any of the lads know much about them.

"I've certainly never played against Israel for Northern Ireland so I really will be going into the game somewhat in the dark.

"I'm sure we'll be well briefed, but it's really about what we do, not what they're going to be like.

"We need to go out and play like we did against Blackburn. If we press, play our football and get behind them then, while it won't be an easy game, we should win it."

Hughes is one of just five players to have started every game for Newcastle this season but, after kicking off the campaign at centre-half, the 24-year-old showed his versatility by slotting into the left-back role against Blackburn last weekend.

Most of his United career has been spent on the opposite flank but, with Stephen Carr making the right-back spot his own since signing from Spurs this summer, Hughes' adaptability has come to the fore.

"I've played at left-back before so it's not something that's new to me," he said. "I think it's just a matter of applying yourself to that position.

"It's a game of football and it's still a defensive position, so it's not a radical change.

"There's not any real difference. I've played a long time at right-back, and it's just a case of doing the same things on the other side of the pitch.

"It's just a matter of applying myself and getting my head round it so I can do the job as best I can. If I do that then I don't think anyone can complain too much."

Hughes was away on international duty when Souness was appointed as Sir Bobby Robson's successor, but has spent the last three days getting to know his new boss along with the rest of the United squad.

Robson's dismissal remains fresh in the memory but, while Newcastle's former boss will not be forgotten, the club's players are determined to look to the future rather than the past.

"It's disappointing that Sir Bobby's gone," said Hughes. "But we've got to move forward now and we can't dwell on that.

"There's a new manager here and we've got to go out to do the best we can for him.

"We've got to get excited about the ideas he'll bring to the team and the way he wants us to play."

Souness' first move as United boss has been to bring in former Norwegian international Ronnie Johnsen, and the centre-half is expected to sign a short-term deal today.

The 35-year-old, who is two weeks away from full fitness, trained with the Magpies yesterday and, while the transfer window has now closed, United are able to sign him as he is currently out of contract.

"It would be great to return to the Premiership and to join a club like Newcastle would be fascinating," said Johnsen, who was released by Aston Villa at the end of last season.

Meanwhile, John Carver has been offered a coaching role with Newcastle's Academy just 48 hours after having his previous St James' Park contract terminated.

Robson's number two is currently considering the proposal, although he is also thought to be in the frame for the vacant managerial position at Coca-Cola Championship side Preston.