CHRIS HUGHTON was left to count the cost of a battling victory at home to Crystal Palace after a hamstring injury sustained by Jose Enrique further exposed Newcastle’s meagre squad.

Hughton is hoping the Spanish left-back, the Magpies’ most impressive performer in recent weeks, is not facing an extended lay-off.

Enrique pulled up midway through the first half and while the Magpies boss was trying to maintain a brave face, the Spaniard is expected to be sidelined for at least a couple of weeks.

With inspirational centrehalf Steven Taylor not due to return until March and versatile defender Danny Simpson on the treatment table, Hughton will have been delighted to see loan signing Mike Williamson emerge unscathed from last night’s win.

Considering he has had no opportunity to develop an understanding with his defensive colleagues Williamson made a solid debut and he could prove a useful addition as Newcastle’s resources are being severely tested.

“While Mike hasn’t played a first-team game for a while he’s played reserve games and I was delighted with his performance,” said the manager.

“He only met the lads on Monday and it was an assured debut,” added the Magpies boss, who admitted the recent spate of injuries has hit his defensive ranks.

“It is a concern for us at the moment. Jose has felt his hamstring and we’re hoping the fact he came off straight away rather, than make it any worse, will have helped.

We won’t know until the morning how serious it is.

“We’ve taken a few knocks and bruises tonight but at this stage of the season, when everyone is fighting to do well, you expect competitive games, and tonight was very competitive.”

Ryan Taylor’s return from suspension will also bolster Hughton’s defensive options in time for the upcoming trip to Leicester City.

Nevertheless, the absence of Enrique is a significant blow to Newcastle’s promotion charge.

Hughton’s side never hit top gear last night and he admitted they were fortunate to hang on to a slim lead before Nile Ranger wrapped up the points with an impressive run and finish in the dying minutes.

“It was one that we had to grind out,” he said. “I think we can expect a few more of them before the season ends.

“Probably the only disappointment was that after getting the goal reasonably early we struggled to get the second. I always felt that we needed another to make things certain.

“For us the most important thing was the win but there were aspects of our game that we could have improved on.

“The final ball wasn’t great. But regardless of the situation they are in we were up against a good Palace side who are in form at the moment.

They weren’t going to roll over and make it an easy game for us.

“We always felt under pressure from the teams below us and it was clear it was always going to be tough to try to sustain that lead.

“We knew there would be highs and lows. But we’ve stretched that lead again and have a game in hand. And, more importantly, with West Brom’s result on Tuesday night, we’ve managed to extend our position over third place.”