Rafa Benitez reacts to a welcome boost ahead of Newcastle's visit to Brighton

Ritchie is a yellow card away from an automatic two-game ban.

Rafa Benitez opted not to leave the winger out of his starting XI for Saturday’s game against Bristol City, which Newcastle drew 2-2, ahead of tomorrow night’s visit to the Amex Stadium.

And Ritchie successfully avoided a 10th booking in the fixture.

United manager Benitez said: “He has experience and knew he had nine yellow cards, so he knew he had to have control. I was pleased with him.”

Only Dwight Gayle has scored more goals than Ritchie this season.

The 27-year-old, signed from Bournemouth last summer, has scored 12 times this season.

Meanwhile, under-pressure City manager Lee Johnson told of his “pride” after the game.

The visitors – who had lost 10 of their previous 13 matches – took a deserved 2-0 lead, but were pegged back after the break by a Korey Smith own goal and a strike from Ciaran Clark.

“I’m very proud of the players, because this is a very difficult place to come – a Premier League club in waiting,” said Johnson.

“No doubt they will get promoted.”

“It’s not ideal to concede two when you are 2-0 up, but I will take the positives after a very difficult week.

“That’s the marker now. Not the result, but the attitude and the willingness to work for the team.”