ALAN SMITH was satisfied with Newcastle United’s transfer dealings when the window closed on Monday, but he has warned that plenty of new faces will not guarantee Premier League football next season.

Leon Best became the sixth signing of the year when he completed a £500,000 move from Coventry City, with manager Chris Hughton immediately drawing a line under his squad strengthening.

Best is regarded by Hughton as the final piece of his promotion puzzle, following Fitz Hall, Patrick van Aanholt, Mike Williamson, Wayne Routledge and Danny Simpson to Tyneside.

And with Geremi and loanee Marlon Harewood the only departures in the last month, Newcastle captain Smith is optimistic Hughton’s squad has the depth to stay ahead in the Championship.

“It’s given everyone a boost,” said Smith. “They’re all good lads, they know what we expect and they know how difficult this league is because they’ve all played in it before.

That’ll stand us in good stead.

“Including the game against Crystal Palace last Wednesday we’ve got nine games in a month, it’s going to be interesting.”

Having laboured to a goalless draw at Leicester on Saturday night, Newcastle have an opportunity to return to winning ways against Cardiff City on Friday night.

Three points against the Bluebirds would lift Newcastle seven points clear of second- placed Nottingham Forest and nine ahead of West Brom in third.

“It’s a long way, 19 games to go, and it’s going to be 19 cup finals because every team wants to do well against Newcastle,”

said Smith. “We know every game we’ve had this season has been difficult and every one we’re going to have will be difficult as well.”

And Smith expects all of the new additions to boost Newcastle’s drive for the topflight.

“The expectation is on us now to go and win games,’’ said Smith. “That’s not happened here for quite a while and it’s a new experience for us, but we’d rather be in the position we are than anywhere else. We’ve got 19 games left, if we can win ten or 12 of we won’t be far short.”

Hughton, meanwhile, has hinted that midfielder Joey Barton could return to action when Newcastle head to Swansea on February 13.

Barton has been sidelined with a foot injury since September.