Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton backs Haris Vuckic

Vuckic made four first-team appearances last season

Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton has insisted teenage Slovenian midfielder Haris Vuckic will be allowed to develop at his own pace.

The 17-year-old scored in Saturday's 3-0 friendly win at Carlisle, but despite the obvious promise, Hughton said he will not be rushed.

"He is a talent, he's a player who we think has got a very good future at the club," Hughton told BBC Newcastle.

"We look forward to seeing him enjoy a promising career in a Newcastle shirt."

Vuckic, who made four first-team appearances last season, was joined on the scoresheet at Brunton Park by Nile Ranger, another young player in Hughton's sights.

Ranger featured regularly for the Magpies first-team during the Championship-winning campaign, appearing in 25 league games - 21 as a substitute - and scoring twice.

The Magpies boss clearly sees the duo as options for the forthcoming season after a bright opening performance.

"They have not done themselves any harm," Hughton continued.

"Of course Ranger was involved more last season than Vuckic was, and he has developed. Vuckic is a young player who was injured last season, so he'll be delighted to have got through a good pre-season so far."