Bennett, who left Newcastle for Peterborough in March 1991 without making a first-team appearance, warned the Magpies: "They have some good young players there, and Darren has done a fantastic job.

"It's a great place for them to go – they're in a win-win situation.

"They're expected to be given a hard time, so they'll have it in their armoury not to get beat.

"Teams going up to St James's Park will set their stall out to get a result. It's up to Newcastle to beat teams."

While Worksop-born Bennett made his name at Peterborough, he will also be grateful for the time he spent learning his trade at St James's Park.

"I loved every minute of it up there – that's where I learned my trade before moving on to get first-team football," added Bennett.

"I know what the fans strive for, and I know what they want. I think at the moment they must be happy with where they are in the table.

"I looked out for the two Newcastle games when the fixture list was first published.

"It's a good challenge to be pitting your wits against a team that are up there at the start of the season."