By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Defenders Alex Kitchen and Michael Riley return to the Newcastle United under-18s squad for Saturday's Premier Academy League match at home to Sheffield United.

The pair were rested for the midweek win at Derby after playing 90 minutes for the Reserves in their 4-2 defeat to Chelsea on Tuesday, but Dave Watson is able to call on them for the 12 noon kick-off at Little Benton.

Trialist Brad Kilburn will be given another opportunity to impress while 16-year-old Alex Gilliead continues to be involved at under-18 level after scoring his first goal in last weekend's win over Stoke.

Last season, the Blades were runners-up in the FA Youth Cup and the two sides drew 1-1 in South Yorkshire back in September with defender Louis Storey on target for the Magpies.

United remain top of the Group D table, five points clear of second-placed Leeds with a game in hand, following their win on Wednesday with Ryan McGorrigan and Ben Sayer on the scoresheet.

The squad is: JJ Hooper, Ryan McGorrigan, Michael Hoganson, Marcus Maddison, Brandon Miele, Michael Riley, Ben Sayer, Jamie Smith, Louis Storey, Alex Baird, Alex Kitchen, Steven Logan, Jonathan Mitchell, Esteban Cardona Lopez, Brad Kilburn, Alex Gilliead.