It will be the second time he's refereed a match involving Newcastle United this season - he was also the man in the middle when Newcastle won 1-0 at Bristol City in August.

So far this term he has overseen 11 matches in all competitions, showing 48 yellow cards and one red.

Harrington began refereeing in the Teesside Junior Football Alliance at the age of 14. He was appointed to the Football League referee list in 2012/13 and has now refereed more than 100 league matches.

On Saturday at St. James' Park, Harrington will be assisted by Philip Dermott and Christopher Akers, with Darren England the game's fourth official.