And Rolando Aarons, Jamie Sterry, Jack Colback and Freddie Woodman are all set to line-up for the Magpies as they look to get back to winning ways at second-string level.

Peter Beardsley's side won their opening two matches of the season, against Stoke and West Bromwich Albion, but have only picked up two points since and lost 6-2 to a strong Southampton side packed with full internationals on Monday evening.

Blackburn are in third place - four points behind leaders Middlesbrough, who face Brighton earlier in the day.

Defender Scott Wharton is expected to step up his return from injury for Damien Johnson's side, having played 45 minutes in Monday's 2-2 draw at Brighton.

Friday's game kicks off at 7pm UK time at Whitley Park in Benton. Admission is free to season ticket holders and members, otherwise it's £3 for adults and £1 concessions. There will also be updates on Twitter at @NUFC.