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Gateshead v Newcastle XI: Team News
Written by Newcastle Utd
It's a strong starting XI for Newcastle at the International Stadium, as United take on neighbours Gateshead
By Dan King - Newcastle United Communications Officer
At the International Stadium
Steve Harper starts against Gateshead, where he played 12 games on loan in 1996, for a strong Newcastle XI at the International Stadium tonight (7.30pm).
Harper is captain while another former Heed loanee, James Tavernier, also starts for United. He will partner Mike Williamson at centre-back, with Michael Richardson and Paul Dummett on either side in the full-back positions.
Alan Smith provides steel in the centre of midfield alongside the French flair of Mehdi Abeid, with Ryan Taylor on the right and Sammy Ameobi occupying the left flank.
Haris Vuckic, who has scored in each of the first-team's last two friendlies, will play just off frontman Nile Ranger. Both Vuckic and Ranger scored against Gateshead in United's 3-0 pre-season win here last summer.
Ole Soderberg is on the bench, while two of the subs, Ryan Donaldson and Phil Airey, both saw competitive action for Newcastle last season.
Newcastle United XI: Steve Harper, Michael Richardson, Paul Dummett, James Tavernier, Mike Williamson, Ryan Taylor, Mehdi Abeid, Alan Smith, Sammy Ameobi, Haris Vuckic, Nile Ranger.
Substitutes: Ole Soderberg, Ryan Donaldson, Brad Inman, Joan Edmundsson, Phil Airey, Greg McDermott, Patrick Nzuzi.