Hughton's side lost a league match for the first time in 15 games

Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton has laid down a challenge to his players to prove their Championship promotion credentials.

The Magpies' run of 15 league games unbeaten ended at Derby on Tuesday and Hughton is seeking a response from his squad against Swansea on Saturday.

"We've got to look at ourselves," he told BBC Newcastle.

"If we've got ambitions to get promotion we've got to go to places like here [Derby] and get something."

Despite defeat in the East Midlands, Hughton remains pleased with his side's mentality, particularly with a tight race for the Championship prize on-going.

And the former Republic of Ireland international defender is keen to ensure the losing feeling is a one-off on Tyneside.

"What we have is a spirit that never wants to give up and I think you saw that in the second half performance," Hughton said.

"Even though we didn't create as much as we wanted, even though we conceded goals when we didn't want to, you saw a side that didn't want to give up.

"We have to take it on the chin, congratulate Derby on a victory and make sure that it doesn't happen again."

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