The Lancashire-based official is a familiar face to Magpies supporters, having taken charge of five games involving Rafa Benítez's side last term.

He was the man in the middle for a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa, 2-1 victories against Preston North End and Brentford, a 2-2 draw with Bristol City and April's 1-1 draw against Leeds.

Kavanagh started refereeing in 1998 at the age of 13 and was appointed to the Football League list 16 years later.

This season, he's refereed nine games across the Premier League, Championship, League One and Carabao Cup, showing 25 yellow cards and one red.

On Saturday, he will be assisted by Stuart Burt and Andrew Halliday. Anthony Taylor will be the fourth official.