The Lancashire-based official has already taken charge of two games at St. James' Park this season - the 3-0 Premier League win against West Ham in August and last month's defeat against Leicester.

In all, he's been the man in the middle on 14 occasions this term, showing 37 yellow cards. He has yet to send a player off this season.

Swarbrick took up refereeing at the relatively late age of 29, but within six years had been promoted to the national list of assistant referees. He became a Select Group referee for the 2011/12 campaign.

On Saturday, he will be assisted by Andrew Garratt and Billy Smallwood. Darren Handley will be the fourth official.