The defender made his return from injury in the Magpies' 2-0 win over Middlesbrough last Monday, having sat out the previous week's Central League Cup rout of Hartlepool United.

It marked a tenth start of the season for the 19-year-old - almost as many as he managed in the entirety of the campaign prior.

And now, as Peter Beardsley's side prepare for their fourth game in the space of a fortnight, Gibson - who chalked up 90 minutes against Boro at Gallowgate - insists he is feeling stronger than ever.

"I feel absolutely great," he told nufc.co.uk. "I played it safe last week and I haven't had any more problems. It was just something I picked up in training - I went to block a shot and I just rolled it a little bit.

"I'm happy to be playing again. Last year, I didn't get off to the best of starts because I missed pre-season, and I felt like I was playing catch-up after that. This time, I've had a proper pre-season and I feel really strong and fit again, so hopefully I can push on.

"To have another game so soon is great for everyone's fitness. After last season, to have the opportunity to play so many games so quickly is really good for me, and it's the same for the rest of the team as well."

Newcastle began their Premier League Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw at home to Swansea City in September, and currently sit second - behind the Robins - in Group A.

The Magpies approach tomorrow's clash on the back of successive wins, however, Sean Longstaff and Yasin Ben El-Mhanni their marksmen against Middlesbrough six days ago.

In what was their first outing at St. James' Park this term, Gibson felt that United were good value for their Tyne-Tees derby victory.

"I think in the first-half we were definitely on top of the game," he said. "In the second-half, they were always going to come back at us after going in 2-0 down at half-time. I thought we dealt with the pressure well and went on to win the game.

"Last year, we struggled at St. James'. I don't know what it was - whether it was the pitch, the crowd or the pressure, I'm not sure. So, we were happy to pick up a first win there.

"We're going into a different competition now, but we just need to treat Monday like any other game."