Hughes: It's all about survival

Hughes is expected to keep his place in the side for the 3rd round tie at Forrest today. He has a great record in The FA Cup.

The 30-year-old has an incredible scoring record of almost one every other game in the competition, having bagged 16 goals from some 36 appearances.

And Hughes knows whatever happens at the City Ground on Saturday, it is all about Premiership points for the Addicks between now and May.

'A good cup run can take your mind off the league, but at the moment our first priority has to be the Premiership,' said Hughes.

'It seems to be a special competition for me.

'I have scored something like 16 goals in 30-odd ties, which is quite good from midfield.

'Hopefully I can chip in again at Forest if selected.

'It will be a tough game at Forest, because they are a big club and want to be back in the Premiership.

'But hopefully it can work out well for us because a good result there would set us up nicely for the Middlesbrough game.'

We are still seven points away from safety, but the team have shown plenty of fighting spirit under Pardew.

Hughes is in no doubt of the positive influence the former West Ham manager has brought in.

He said: 'The mood in the camp has been great. Everyone knows what we are about and what we are trying to achieve.

'We are just trying to get up the table and we will all keep working through to the end of the season to hopefully succeed.

'We have shown what we can do by sticking together in the last couple of games, and also for spells against Arsenal.

'If we keep doing the things which have been getting us results lately, then hopefully we will be okay.

'The gaffer has definitely been upping the work rate in the team - there is a lot of desire and passion, which is what we need.'

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