After being appointed as permanent Newcastle boss Chris Hughton will be looking for his players to avoid a third consecutive defeat on the road at Bramall Lane on Monday.

The Magpies have stuttered somewhat recently, winning only two of their last six games, including back-to-back defeats at Nottingham Forest and Scunthorpe.

The Geordies have already been victorious over Sheffield opposition this season, when Shola Ameobi's goal was enough to beat Wednesday 1-0 at St James' Park in August.

Ameobi scored five goals in the opening month of the season, but hasn't featured since the 4-3 Carling Cup success over Huddersfield Town.

A last minute winner from Kevin Nolan saw Newcastle beat Doncaster Rovers 2-1 on Tyneside last time out, as Rovers spurned an early lead and missed a second-half penalty.

Former Bolton skipper Nolan has seven Championship goals to his name from midfield, whilst Gateshead born striker Andy Carroll has become the focal point of the attack this season, scoring three league goals in the process.