Steve Bruce hails player who's a 'manager's dream' at Newcastle United

Almiron – who has scored in Newcastle United’s last two games – will start against Rochdale at St James’s Park.

With Allan Saint-Maximin still sidelined, Almiron has been the club’s biggest threat going forward, but Bruce will resist the temptation to leave him out against the League One club.

“Almiron will play,” said United’s head coach. “He plays in the first leg, scores a goal, gets a bit of confidence – and that's an area where we're struggling up the top end of the pitch. Almiron's naturally fit. He's a class act, a manager's dream, trains every day, comes in smiles. He's a very, very good player. He's been terrific these past 12 months.”

Meanwhile, defender Emil Krafth – who missed the weekend’s 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers with a minor injury – could be involved.