Fulham manager Mark Hughes has backed defender Brede Hangeland to keep Newcastle ace Andy Carroll quiet today.

The Fulham boss believes Hangeland, 29, who got the measure of Chelsea hitman Didier Drogba in midweek, can silence Carroll at St James’s Park.

He said: “We are aware of the areas that Andy Carroll likes to attack, so hopefully we can stop the source to him.

“So when the ball is played into our box, we want the likes of Brede to challenge and show his strength in the air.

“Sometimes when guys are tall, their technique in getting off the floor isn’t great because they haven’t had to hone their techniques. In Brede’s case he is very adept at attacking the ball and using his height to his advantage.”