JOHN CARVER claimed the “bravery” of his team selection was an important factor in Newcastle United’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Aston Villa.

Carver made four personnel changes to the side that had conceded five goals at Manchester City seven days earlier, but the most significant alteration saw the interim head coach adopt a 4-4-2 formation that featured two orthodox wingers playing on the flanks.

Such tactics have gone out of fashion somewhat recently, but Carver clearly felt some natural width would be crucial as Newcastle attempted to break down an obdurate Villa side battling against relegation at the foot of the table.

The Magpies were hardly at their fluent best as they claimed a welcome home win, but their decisive strike came from a right-wing cross that was converted by Papiss Cisse, and Carver felt his tactical tinkering had played a part in the victory.

He said: “I was brave going with two wingers and two strikers – there are not many head coaches or managers in the Premier League go that way, but I did it because I felt it was important to get the three points.

“We talked about getting the ball in the wide areas and putting the ball in the box because it’s no good Papiss being the lone striker and trying to play into his feet. He's about getting into the box and putting the ball in the back of the net, and he did that.

“What was disappointing was that in the first half, we didn't put the ball in the box enough, and it just shows you - you put it in the box and he will score a goal for you. Thankfully, he did.”

Yesterday’s game saw the return of Jonas Gutierrez to the squad after a successful battle against testicular cancer.

The popular Argentinian did not make it on to the field, although Carver claims his hand was forced somewhat when Massadio Haidara picked up an injury midway through the second half.

He said: “Unfortunately, because of what happened to Sadio (Haidara), I had to put Ryan on at left-back. I had to make a decision – he (Gutierrez) is getting closer, he is getting fitter, he is getting stronger, so the time will eventually come, especially if we keep losing bodies.”

At the time, it looked as though Haidara had sustained a serious knee injury as he was forced to leave the field on a stretcher after a lengthy period of treatment.

With Newcastle already short of numbers at the back, a lengthy absence would present a major headache, but Carver is confident things are not as bad as first appeared and is even hoping Haidara could make a rapid comeback in Wednesday’s home game with Manchester United.

He said: “It's his knee. He's got an ongoing issue with it, but it's not too serious, so we will see what he's like (today). Hopefully, he should be available for Wednesday.”