Hughton was encouraged by the performance against Leeds

Newcastle interim manager Chris Hughton says he was pleased with the way the players bounced back from the defeat at Leyton Orient when they played Leeds.

After being thrashed 6-1 at Brisbane Road on Saturday, the Magpies were held to a goalless draw in their friendly with the League One side on Wednesday.

Hughton told BBC Newcastle the players responded with an improved performance.

"One thing we wanted was a reaction from last week's game at Leyton Orient and we certainly got that," he said.

"We gave the crowd enough for them to get behind us and I'm delighted they turned out in their numbers.

It's something that we'll experience this season - teams coming here to St James' and raising their game Newcastle interim manager Chris Hughton

"I thought we had the better chances in the game but Leeds certainly looked dangerous on the counter attack.

"It's something that we'll experience this season - teams coming here to St James' and raising their game and making it tough for us - so it's exactly what we needed."

United striker Obafemi Martins was missing from the squad for the game amid rumours he is set to join German champions Wolfsburg.

However, Hughton was coy when asked about the speculation surrounding players who could be leaving Tyneside.

"It's something at this period of time that we've got to get used to," he said. "The reality is it's about which players are playing on the park at this particular moment.

"Everybody at this stage will make up their own minds and read into things."

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