By Craig Hope

THERE were certainly no Monday morning blues around Benton when the lads reconvened following Friday's 5-1 mauling of Cardiff City.

The sight of Alan Smith back in full training was bound to further improve the mood of boss Chris Hughton, while Joey Barton continued his comeback bid following a four-month foot layoff.

The Magpies travel to Derby County on Tuesday night bidding for a first win away from Gallowgate since the 2-0 success at Coventry City in December.

But, before that encounter, club photographer Ian Horrocks was out on the North Tyneside training pitches with the boys as he brings you our latest exclusive picture gallery (header snap above is that of top scorer Kevin Nolan performing a dance forfeit) ...

ROLL-A AMEOBI ... Shola goes about his warm-up routine

BEST FOOT FORWARD ... Leon takes aim

FRIENDS REUNITED ... Fitz and Leon played at Southampton together 

THIGH OF RELIEF ... Smudge's thigh strain isn't serious and he's ok to face Rams

BRACE ACE ... Pete came from bench to fire twice on Friday

BAR WORK ... Joey continues his comeback bid with physio Dave Henderson

DUCK OF THE IRISH ... Leon stoops to head

WILL POWER ... Mike climbs to head

SHOOTING RANGE ... Nile has a pop

PAN OF ATTACK ... Kevin and Jonas keep tabs on Fabrice

VAN THE MAN FOR MAGPIES ... Patrick has impressed since loan switch from Chelsea

AAN YOUR TOES ... Patrick ushers Leon away from goal

DOUBLE TROUBLE ... Derby best beware of Andy and Peter following their double strikes against Cardiff

BEST FRIENDS ... Alan Smith and Leon Best