However, Fabricio Coloccini and Danny Simpson will definitely return for the televised clash against Sheffield United.

And if Taylor does not make the game, then he will almost certainly return for Saturday's home fixture against Peterborough United.

Taylor has missed Newcastle's last three games with a hamstring problem, and while the 23-year-old is close to full fitness after working overtime with the club's physios, Hughton won't risk him if he feels he would benefit from another week's training.

And teenager Tamas Kadar – who made his full Championship debut in last Saturday's home win over Doncaster Rovers – is on standby.

"Steven will be assessed today," Hughton told the Gazette. "He's a doubt for us, and we'll have to wait until the last minute before making a decision.

"We've certainly got Fabricio Coloccini and Danny Simpson coming in, so we have options.

"Tamas (Kadar) comes into consideration, and he'll be on a high after playing against Doncaster last week."

Newcastle dropped down to third in the league after the weekend's results, with West Bromwich Albion having gone a point clear after their resounding 5-0 win over Watford.

And Hughton knows his team will have to be at their best if they are to return to the top tonight, despite Sheffield United's six-game run without a win.

"Sheffield United are a side who I expect to be up there come the end of the season," added Hughton.

"When the season started, they were rightly up there as many people's picks as one of the teams who are capable of getting to the Premier League.

"That's also what we are trying to achieve so this is a big, big night for us.

"They are side that have a physical presence and we'll have to be very much on top of our game in every department if we are to get something tonight."

* Joe Joyce will take charge of Newcastle United's Academy after Richard Money's departure to become Luton Town boss.