Newcastle wait on new winger decision

Newcastle are awaiting international clearance over French winger Fabrice Pancrate ahead of Monday night's Championship clash at Preston.

The Magpies (5/4 Stan James Match Betting 90 Minutes) will return to the top of the table with victory at Deepdale and they could be boosted after Pancrate won a deal until the end of the season after impressing during a two-week trial.

Pancrate was released by French side Paris Saint-Germain over the summer so can sign as a free agent outside the transfer window.

The visitors will also be able to select Argentina left winger Jonas Gutierrez (12/1 First Goalscorer) who has shaken off a thigh problem picked up against Peterborough which kept him out of his country's friendly against Spain.

But Newcastle boss Chris Hughton will definitely be without loan defender Zurab Khizanishvili (ban) and Joey Barton (foot) while the game comes too soon for striker Shola Ameobi (also foot).

North End (9/4 to win) are likely to hand a debut to loan midfielder Michael Tonge who has linked up with the club for at least a month from Stoke City.

Alan Irvine's mid-table side have been beaten just once at home in the Championship this season while Newcastle have already lost three on the road.