DEFENDER Aaron Hughes has revealed how Bobby Robson's infectious enthusiasm is sustaining Newcastle's bid to land their first top-flight title in 75 years.
Northern Ireland international Hughes, who has made a successful switch from centre-half to right-back this season, was Robson's choice as man of the match in Saturday's 3-2 home win against Bolton.
Hughes made two of the goals, including Craig Bellamy's winner, as the Magpies came from behind twice to move up to second place, still only two points in arrears of champions Manchester United with a game in hand.
Manager Robson, 69 a fortnight tomorrow, has maintained a remarkable appetite for the game, and his side look an increasingly good bet for a top-four Champions' League spot.
Hughes, 22, said: "With the squad we have, the gaffer's enthusiasm rubs off on everybody, not just us but the crowd as well.
"We have a massive will to win now, something that hasn't been there for a couple of seasons.
"We've got a settled team and a strong squad and the confidence is flowing.
"It used to be that if we went a goal behind our heads would drop and we couldn't see where we were going to get goals from.
"We were always conscious of leaking goals, but at the moment we feel capable of keeping a clean sheet and, more than that, we know we can score.
"I think people are starting to sit up and take notice of us now. Whether we can go on and win the League is another matter.
"We were aiming to get into Europe at the start of the season, but we have to be looking at the Champions' League now.
"We've shown we can fight back. It's all about the spirit we have in the camp.
"We've had three games in seven days - tough games as well. We haven't had a day off, but we've come through.
"This was the sort of game that past Newcastle teams I've played in would have lost. We were incredibly inconsistent for two seasons. I know it's not an excuse, but we had a lot of injuries. We've had Kieron Dyer back for a bit, but he's out now with another injury.
"Apart from that, though, we've only had Carl Cort out this season. We have an easier run-in than most, not that we're taking anything for granted. We've got a massive derby to come at Sunderland.''
Hughes has made the right-back position his own after replacing Warren Barton, who last week ended his six-and-a-half year association with Newcastle when he moved to Derby County.
"I've played there nearly all season and I'm comfortable there, so maybe that's my best position now,'' said Hughes.
"But it was sad to see Warren go he's a fantastic professional.''
Robson said: "Aaron is developing all the time.
"He got in when Warren was injured and he's beginning to understand what playing full-back is all about. You need brains to play full-back.''
Meanwhile, Robson will restrict £7m striker Cort to a 45-minute run-out when he makes his comeback from a near-six-month knee injury in tonight's home reserve game against Middlesbrough (7.00).
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