Wirral whistler Dean, who has been officiating since 1985, has been appointed for the fixture at Anfield as the Magpies continue their search for a first away victory of the campaign.

Now aged 53, Dean is one of the most prominent referees in the English game. He worked his way up through non-league in the late 1980s and early 1990s before becoming a Football League assistant in 1995.

A further two years running the line led to a promotion to referee in 1997 and, just three years later, he was in the Premier League.

Dean has remained in the top flight ever since, and also spent a decade as a FIFA-listed official between 2003 and 3013. He has a number of big appointments on his CV, including the 2008 FA Cup final and the 2011 League Cup final – as well as a cameo appearance in the popular American comedy-drama Ted Lasso.

The trip to Liverpool will be the second time Dean has overseen a Newcastle fixture this term, after he took charge of the 1-1 draw with Leeds United in September – one of ten games he has refereed this term. In those matches, he has shown a total of 31 yellow cards, keeping them pocketed on two occasions, while he is yet to issue a red.

Eddie Smart and Mark Scholes will assist Dean at Anfield, with Andy Madley acting as fourth official.

Simon Hooper has been confirmed as VAR, and he will be assisted by Peter Kirkup.