By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Gabriel Obertan's performance from the bench at Hartlepool in midweek has earned the Frenchman a start in today's friendly against Cardiff.

The ex-Manchester United man scored in the 5-1 win at Victoria Park and impressed in a cameo role, and will now get the chance to do it from the beginning in South Wales.

Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse are both rested for the trip, as are Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa, but Shola Ameobi has recovered from a knock to lead the line for Alan Pardew's side.

Tim Krul is in goal with a defence comprising of Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Steven Taylor and Davide Santon.

Ryan Taylor is expected to play on the right hand side of midfield with Jonas Gutierrez on the left and Sylvain Marveaux partnering Cheick Tiote in the centre and Obertan playing just behind the main striker.

Teenage striker Adam Campbell is included on the bench.

Newcastle United (4-4-1-1): Tim Krul; Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini (c), Steven Taylor, Davide Santon; Ryan Taylor, Cheick Tiote, Sylvain Marveaux, Jonas Gutierrez; Gabriel Obertan, Shola Ameobi

Substitutes: Steve Harper, James Perch, Mike Williamson, Romain Amalfitano, Adam Campbell, Haris Vuckic, Dan Gosling