Another Start For Riviere

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Emmanuel Riviere will be handed another starting spot as Newcastle United travel to Leicester City on Saturday (12.45pm kick-off).

The French striker impressed against Swansea City last weekend in only his 11th start of the season, setting up Ayoze Perez's opener and putting in an energeti, eye-catching performance.

And Riviere - a summer signing from Monaco - has been rewarded for that display by head coach John Carver.

"I thought Riviere did ever-so-well last week, particularly in the first half," said Carver.

"Because he hasn't had too much football recently I just thought he had run out of steam.

"However, he will start (against Leicester) because he deserves to. He ran himself into the ground last week and I need 11 players who will do that."

Siem de Jong looks set for another substitute role at the King Power Stadium as he continues his comeback from a collapsed lung.

The Dutch international playmaker stepped off the bench against Swansea to net his first Magpies goal in his first appearance since August, and followed that up with a full game for United's second-string in midweek. 

"Siem got through 90 minutes for the under-21s, so psychologically he is ready for this weekend," continued Carver.

"He's not ready to start but he will be involved in the group at Leicester."

Carver also confirmed that right-back Daryl Janmaat will be fit to face the Foxes following illness, and fellow defender Paul Dummett is in contention after recovering from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.