It will be the fourth time he's overseen a match involving the Magpies this season, but his first appearance at St. James' Park.

The Lancashire-based official is in his second season as a Football League referee.

He was the man in the middle for United's away games at Aston Villa, Preston and Brentford. In total, he has refereed 29 fixtures in all competitions, showing 101 yellow cards and two red.

On Saturday, he will be assisted by James Mainwaring and Nick Greenhalgh. Darren Bond will be the fourth official.