Rafa Benitez's side face the Bees this weekend in what is a rearranged fixture, as it was originally scheduled to take place on Monday 16th January, and Lancashire whistler Kavanagh has been appointed for the fixture.

He started refereeing in 1998 at the age of 13, and was appointed to the Football League list 16 years later.

So far this term, he has refereed 22 matches in all competitions, showing 78 yellow cards and one red - to Nottingham Forest's Michael Mancienne in their Boxing Day defeat at Huddersfield Town.

It will be Kavanagh's third match involving the Magpies this season after he oversaw the 1-1 draw at Aston Villa in September and the 2-1 win at Preston North End in October.

He will be assisted on Saturday by Mark Pottage and Dan Cook, while Andy Davies will be the fourth official.