Defender Steven Taylor has been named in the squad for the home game against Peterborough United after recovering from the hamstring problem which has keep him out of the last four games.

And the 23-year-old is expected to return to partner Fabricio Coloccini, who himself returned in Monday night's 1-0 win over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Coloccini found the going tough in his first season in English football, and had been tipped for a summer exit in the wake of the club's relegation.

However, Coloccini stayed at St James's Park, and the 27-year-old has quickly got to grips with the demands of the Championship along with Taylor, with the pair helping United keep a string of clean sheets early in the campaign – to boost Newcastle's promotion bid.

Hughton said: "He was important in that run of clean sheets earlier in the season – he's a quality player.

"This is a player, along with Jonas (Gutierrez), who is a top-class international player.

"Colo forged a formidable partnership during that run, and included in that were a few clean sheets. The quality is there for all to see this season.

"No detriment to anyone who has come in, but it's good to have relationships and certainly Colo and Tayls, in the games they have played together, have formed a good bond.

"It certainly was a blow for them to be out, but we haven't been disappointed with those who came in."

Taylor, meanwhile, is desperate to be back on the field. He said: "I'm raring to go. I'm fit, and the decision's the gaffer's."