Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton says he's prepared to axe his big-name signings if they fail to perform.

Hughton now has renewed options after the arrival of Hatem Ben Arfa, Cheik Tiote and Sol Campbell late in the transfer window.

That leaves Hughton with some tough decisions. Ben Arfa can play on either wing or just behind the striker leaving Kevin Nolan, Wayne Routledge or Jonas Gutierrez with a fight. Tiote is battling to replace Alan Smith as the holding midfielder.

Hughton said: "I would not be worried about dropping them just because they are big personalities. The important thing is you get the right balance. You pick a team to win a football match.

"More important than any of that is come the last game of the season, that we are still in the Premier League. Also that we have had a good enough season. Those factors are more important than any individuals.

"When I was caretaker manager I left out Michael Owen so I think I have proved I am not afraid of leaving out big names. The most important thing is we are endeavouring to win football matches . You pick a team for any given game. Leaving out players is something that comes with the territory."