Aleksandar Mitrovic returns to Newcastle's starting XI, Jamaal Lascelles on bench

The striker will lead the line against Derby County at St James's Park this afternoon (3pm kick-off).

Daryl Murphy has dropped down to the bench for the visit of Steve McClaren's seventh-placed side.

United captain Jamaal Lascelles, meanwhile, is also among the substitutes.

Defender Grant Hanley starts in place of Lascelles, who has been struggling with a groin problem.

Mohamed Diame replaces Ayoze Perez at No 10, while fit-again goalkeeper Rob Elliot is on the bench ahead of Matz Sels.

Newcastle are second in the Championship table and a point behind league leaders Brighton and Hove Albion.

NEWCASTLE UNITED: Darlow; Yedlin, Hanley, Clark, Dummett; Shelvey, Hayden; Ritchie, Diame, Gouffran; Mitrovic. Subs: Elliot, Lascelles, Gamez, Lazaar, Ameobi, Perez, Murphy.

DERBY COUNTY: Carson; Baird, Keogh, Pearce, Olsson; Bryson, Johnson, Butterfield; Ince Bent, Russell. Subs: Mitchell, Christie, Shackell, Vydra, Anya, Camara, de Sart.