Gateshead v Newcastle: McClaren's First Match

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

At the International Stadium

Steve McClaren has named a strong starting line-up for his first fixture in charge of Newcastle United - a pre-season friendly at local neighbours Gateshead (8pm kick-off).

The Magpies' side includes five senior internationals, with a further three on the substitutes' bench, as the new head coach casts a first eye over his squad.

Goalkeeper Karl Darlow and defender Jamaal Lascelles feature in a United shirt for the first time - the pair signed 11 months ago from Nottingham Forest before heading back to the City Ground on loan for the season.

There is also a place for Dutch international forward Siem de Jong, who missed most of the 2014/15 through injury.

United are expected to start in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Darlow behind a back four of Daryl Janmaat, Mike Williamson, Lascelles and Massadio Haidara.

Vurnon Anita and Jack Colback will anchor the visitors' midfield, with Moussa Sissoko, de Jong and Yoan Gouffran in front of them.

And that trio will be tasked with providing the supply line to Senegalese striker Papiss Cisse, who finished last season as Newcastle's top scorer with 11 goals.

Gateshead (4-5-1): Sam Russell; Simon Ramsden, James Curtis, Ben Clark, Matty Pattison; Josh Gillies, Rob Ramshaw, Jamie Chandler, Jimmy Phillips, James Marwood; Jon Shaw

Substitutes: Craig Baxter, Shaun MacDonald, Nathan Buddle, Dean Briggs, Dillon Morse, Mechack Kanda, Paddy McLaughlin, Rene Howe, River Allen, Josh Parry, Joe Hailes

Newcastle United (4-2-3-1): Karl Darlow; Daryl Janmaat, Mike Williamson, Jamaal Lascelles, Massadio Haidara; Vurnon Anita, Jack Colback (c); Moussa Sissoko, Siem de Jong, Yoan Gouffran; Papiss Cisse

Substitutes: Freddie Woodman, Shane Ferguson, Lubo Satka, Curtis Good, Gael Bigirimana, Cheick Tiote, Haris Vuckic, Rolando Aarons, Gabriel Obertan, Adam Armstrong, Ayoze Perez, Emmanuel Riviere

Referee: Geoff Eltringham (Sunderland)