The cup clash at Ewood Park will be the third time 46-year-old Probert has taken charge of a Magpies fixture this term, with the Wiltshire official having overseen the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in September and November's 2-1 win against AFC Bournemouth.

In all, Probert has refereed 17 games so far this season, taking in matches across the Premier League, the Championship and League One - most recently Sunderland's draw with Luton on Saturday.

He has dished out a total of 61 yellow cards, while the only game in which he didn't brandish a booking or a red card was United's loss to the Gunners at St. James' Park.

He has issued six red cards this term - two of them coming at the Stadium of Light at the weekend.

Probert refereed the 2014 FA Cup final between Arsenal and Hull City.

On Tuesday night, he will be assisted by Andrew Garratt and Andrew Halliday on Saturday, while Christopher Kavanagh will be the fourth official.