Skipper Alan Smith will be missing through suspension as Newcastle attempt to halt a four-game winless run against Doncaster.

The former Manchester United midfielder picked up his fifth booking of the season in Tuesday night's 2-1 defeat at Scunthorpe and must now serve a one-game ban.

But caretaker-manager Chris Hughton has been boosted by the return of Argentina international defender Fabricio Coloccini, who is available after missing the last four games with a groin injury.

Steven Taylor (hamstring) remains on the sidelines, although he could return for the trip to Sheffield United on November 2, while long-term absentees Shola Ameobi and Joey Barton (both foot) are still some way from being able to resume training.

Doncaster defender Gareth Roberts is expected to return to the squad for the clash.

Roberts missed the midweek win over Peterborough with a calf strain, so James Chambers stepped up and manager Sean O'Driscoll must decide who to start with.

Recent signing Simon Gillett will be in contention despite sustaining a thigh injury against Peterborough, but O'Driscoll is still without skipper Brian Stock (knee) and central defenders Adam Lockwood (foot) and Byron Webster (elbow).

Sam Hird is likely to partner on-loan Jason Shackell at the heart of defence.

Sean McDaid and Steve Brooker (both knee) remain sidelined, but midfielder Mark Wilson is hoping to play a bigger role after returning to the substitutes' bench in midweek following a calf injury.