Hughton also explained his difficulties at getting boss Kerr to miss today's work-out, whilst speaking to the press afterwards. 'I think we had to persuade Brian to stay in bed. If it was up to Brian, I think he would have gone training but I think he knew it was better for the players if he missed training. He’ll be fine.'
Looking ahead to Saturday, the former international full-back explained that Russia's 4-1 win over the Swiss shouldn't have too much bearing on matters in Basel. 'Switzerland are a very good side with some very good players,' he explained.
'i wouldn’t read too much into their defeat in Moscow because it was a month ago. It’s not like at club level where if you lose on a Saturday, you are a bit nervous a few days later in the next game.
'They have had a month off and maybe some of their players are in better form, are playing regular first team football or have recovered from knocks.
'On our day we have the players to beat anybody and we won’t be going into the game with any fear.'