The Magpies welcome the League One outfit to St. James’ Park this weekend hoping to earn a place in the last 16, and Jones – who has never taken taken charge of a fixture involving United’s senior team – will be the man in the middle.

The Cheshire referee, who made the step up to Premier League officiating last month for Brighton’s game against Sheffield United, is part of the Select Group 2 list of referees.

He oversaw Newcastle United under-21s’ 2-1 Checkatrade Trophy win at Crewe Alexandra in the 2017/18 campaign, and also the League One play-off final between Rotherham United and Shrewsbury Town at the end of that season.

Jones mainly referees in the Championship, though, and as well and that and a solitary top-flight outing, he has taken charge of games in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and League Two.

So far this season, he has issued 67 yellow cards in 20 outings, including at least one in every fixture, but is yet to show a red card this term.

Last year, he only dished out two reds in 37 games, but did hand out 113 cautions in that time.

Nick Greenhalgh and Paul Hodkinson will assist Jones on Saturday, with Leigh Doughty named as fourth official and Lee Mason as VAR.

Mark Scholes will fill the assistant VAR role for United’s test against Karl Robinson’s men.