The Magpies, who shook off the after-affects of their first loss of the season at Blackpool by extending Plymouth's losing streak to six successive defeats at the weekend, head for Peterborough in the Carling Cup third round.

There is little doubt an instant return to the Barclays Premier League is the overriding priority at St James' Park this season with Newcastle trailing current Coca-Cola Championship leaders West Brom by just a point.

However, Hughton is acutely aware nothing breeds success like success, and victory at London Road would keep the momentum going.

He said: "There's no doubt the league is the main focus for us, but if you speak to the lads in that changing room about the possibility of winning the game on Tuesday, then we want to win on Tuesday.

"We had our winning streak broken at Blackpool, and it would be nice to go on another run again."

The Magpies survived a major scare in the previous round when, after trailing 3-1 at St James' Park to League One Huddersfield, they staged a concerted fightback to win 4-3.

However, the victory came at a cost with Nicky Butt and substitute Shola Ameobi both limping off injured, the striker with the foot problem which has sidelined him ever since and is set to do so for up to two months.

Hughton fielded youngsters Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar, Kazenga LuaLua and Nile Ranger against the Terriers, and will make changes once again.

He said: "Where we are at the moment, we have gone through a tough period, and will continue over the next couple of weeks to go through a tough period.

"This is an ideal opportunity to have a look at some of the lads who haven't started as many games, and some of the young lads who have been with the squad all season.

"I have got to use the squad as best I can.

"In particular, there are the young lads - Tamas Kadar, Kazenga LuaLua, Ryan Donaldson, Nile Ranger and Haris Vuckic - and certainly, we will look to give them some involvement."

Peterborough, managed by Sir Alex Ferguson's son Darren, will welcome the Magpies having eased themselves into 18th place in the Championship after a remarkable fightback at home to Reading at the weekend.

Trailing 2-0 at half-time, they hit back through Craig Mackail-Smith and Aaron McLean before George Boyd snatched victory at the death.

Ferguson told the Peterborough Evening Telegraph: "The important thing now is to win again tomorrow.

"It won't be easy, but if we play like we did in the second half against Reading, we will give any team problems."

Championship counterparts Scunthorpe are also in action tomorrow night, when they entertain League Two Port Vale, although they could have to do without leading scorer Gary Hooper, who damaged a hamstring in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bristol City.