Carroll has excelled for the promoted Magpies since their arrival in the Premier League this term, with his seven goals in 12 games likely to earn him a maiden call-up to the England squad for Wednesday's friendly against France.
The 21-year-old has found the back of the net in his last two outings and has a final chance to impress Fabio Capello and his staff when the Italian makes the trip to St James' Park on Saturday.
Centre-back Hangeland, however, could put the brakes on the rising Toon star having managed to keep Didier Drogba at bay in Fulham's 1-0 west London derby defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday night.
And Cottagers manager Hughes has revealed just how much the 29-year-old hates to lose.
"He is very disappointed when he loses games, as we all are, even if he loses challenges or five-a-sides on training fields," said Hughes.
"There is the same intensity to his work.
"He wants to work hard for the team and that inner drive is what you want to see in players."
Hughes knows Hangeland will need the support of his team-mates to keep Carroll quiet for the full 90 minutes.
"Obviously, we are aware of the areas that Andy Carroll likes to attack, so hopefully we can actually stop the source to him," he said.
"I think that's probably the best plan of action.
"But that is not easy to do on every occasion so, when the ball is played into our box, we want the likes of Brede to challenge and show his strength in the air as well."
Despite Carroll's on-field exploits, Hughes feels the striker's headline-making off-field activities could hinder his chance of an England call-up.
He said: "You have to say issues around his life may cloud the clearness of that decision but, in football terms, he deserves a call-up."
Hughes has nothing but praise for opposite number Chris Hughton and admitted his surprise that the Toon boss is yet to be offered a new contract to replace the one which expires in the summer.
"I think everyone in football is surprised he has not been offered a new contract," said Hughes of the man who has led Newcastle to fifth place after 12 games of their first season back in the top flight.
"He's done a great job. He's stabilised the club after relegation and brought them back up and now they are riding high."
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