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Team news: Woodman starts in goal at Rotherham
Written by Dan King
Freddie Woodman starts in goal for Newcastle United in the Magpies' friendly at Rotherham United this evening (kick-off 7pm BST).
The England under-21 international shot-stopper was required to self-isolate - along with Mark Gillespie - earlier this month after the pair were identified as close contacts of Karl Darlow, who tested positive for Covid-19 and is still recovering at home.
But he returned to training on Monday after following protocol and will be between the posts at the AESSEAL New York Stadium. Gillespie is on the bench, as is fellow goalkeeper Dan Langley.
However, Allan Saint-Maximin is not involved due to illness while Joelinton has not yet shrugged off the injury which forced him off against York City in United's opening friendly.
Matt Ritchie returns to the side after missing Friday night's 3-2 win at Doncaster with a knock, while youngsters Jack Young and Matt Bondswell are again among the substitutes along with Cumbrian teenager Joe White.
The defence comprises of Jamal Lewis, Ciaran Clark, skipper Jamaal Lascelles and Federico Fernández, with Steve Bruce seemingly switching to a four-man backline.
Isaac Hayden will partner Sean Longstaff - who scored at Doncaster - in midfield while Ritchie looks likely to start on the left wing, with Ryan Fraser, another goalscorer at the Keepmoat Stadium on the right.
Dwight Gayle is paired with Callum Wilson, who also got on the scoresheet on Friday night.
As well as the aforementioned Gillespie, Langley, Young, Bondswell and White, the other substitutes are Paul Dummett, Matty Longstaff, Fabian Schär, Jeff Hendrick, Emil Krafth, Jacob Murphy and Kell Watts.
Schär and Krafth have yet to figure for the Magpies in pre-season after being given an extended break following their involvement in Euro 2020.
Newcastle United: Freddie Woodman, Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernández, Jamaal Lascelles (c), Jamal Lewis, Ryan Fraser, Isaac Hayden, Sean Longstaff, Dwight Gayle, Callum Wilson, Matt Ritchie
Substitutes: Mark Gillespie, Dan Langley, Emil Krafth, Matt Bondswell, Paul Dummett, Fabian Schär, Kell Watts, Matty Longstaff, Jeff Hendrick, Jack Young, Joe White, Jacob Murphy