Chris Hughton is set to be confirmed as a member of Newcastle's backroom team in the coming days. The 49-year-old former Republic of Ireland international lost his job as assistant boss at Tottenham in October when manager Martin Jol was forced out at White Hart Lane.

Hughton, who worked alongside Brian Kerr when he was in charge of the Irish senior side, is expected to replace Nigel Pearson on Kevin Keegan's coaching staff at St James' Park. Pearson, now manager of Southampton, left Newcastle earlier this month, within weeks of Keegan's appointment.

Hughton spent more than 14 years coaching at Spurs, serving under 10 different managers. A former full-back, he began his playing career with the north London club, spending more than a decade there.

He also earned 53 caps for Ireland between 1979 and 1993.