Three players in Becky Langley's squad are away with their countries during the break, with Elysia Boddy in line to feature for England Under-23s, Shania Hayles part of the Jamaica squad and Lois Joel in action for Wales.

The rest of the Magpies first team braved the frosty conditions to carry out further preparations as they plot a return to winning ways following Sunday's Women's League Cup defeat to Liverpool at Kingston Park. Harriet Massey brought newcastleunited.com this gallery from Bullocksteads.