The Magpies kicked off the 2020/21 campaign with a Premier League victory at West Ham on Saturday night, but the majority of the side that saw off the Hammers in the capital have been rested as Bruce hands an opportunity to impress to some of the other members of his squad.

Among them are recent arrivals Mark Gillespie and Ryan Fraser, who both line up from the start against Rovers, with Dan Barlaser – who spent last term out on loan at Rotherham United – also in the starting 11.

Ciaran Clark starts in a competitive fixture for the first time since recovering from a serious ankle injury, while Emil Krafth partners him at centre half in front of debutant goalkeeper Gillespie.

Javier Manquillo – the only survivor from the win at the London Stadium – and DeAndre Yedlin are the two full backs, while Barlaser starts in the centre of midfield alongside Sean Longstaff.

Further forward, Matt Ritchie and former Bournemouth man Fraser line up on the wing, with Miguel Almirón in the number ten position behind lone forward Joelinton.

Bruce has a host of options at his disposal from the bench, too, with Jamaal Lascelles, Isaac Hayden and Allan Saint-Maximin all among the substitutes.

Karl Darlow provides backup for Gillespie, while Christian Atsu, Jacob Murphy and Jeff Hendrick are also available to be called upon from the bench.

Newcastle United: Mark Gillespie; Javier Manquillo, Emil Krafth, Ciaran Clark, DeAndre Yedlin; Sean Longstaff, Dan Barlaser; Ryan Fraser, Miguel Almirón, Matt Ritchie; Joelinton.

Substitutes: Karl Darlow, Jamaal Lascelles, Isaac Hayden, Jeff Hendrick, Jacob Murphy, Christian Atsu, Allan Saint-Maximin.