Preston boss Alan Irvine could hand a debut to Stoke midfielder Michael Tonge when Newcastle visit Deepdale for Monday's televised clash.

The 26-year-old Stoke midfielder has not featured for the Potters in the Premier League this season and has made just three Carling Cup appearances.

Tonge has joined on loan until December 28 and is in line to make his bow against the Magpies as North End aim to record their first win in four matches and prevent Chris Hughton's outfit from regaining top spot in the Championship.

Midfielder Barry Nicholson remains sidelined but is hoping to be back in action early next year as he recovers from a broken leg.

The Scot broke two bones in his right leg during the 2-0 victory over Peterborough in August.

Newcastle are waiting for new signing Fabrice Pancrate to receive clearance.

The French winger penned a deal over the weekend after a two-week trial period with the north-east club and he will be desperate to prove his credentials at Deepdale as the Magpies look to regain top spot in the Championship.

Manager Chris Hughton has confirmed midfielder Jonas Gutierrez will be fit after pulling out of Argentina's squad due to a thigh problem sustained in the 3-1 win over Peterborough last time out.

Striker Shola Ameobi narrowly misses out, however, as he looks to return to first-team training on Tuesday following his lengthy spell on the sidelines with a foot injury.

Defender Zurab Khizanishvili serves the third and final game of his three-match suspension while long-term absentee Joey Barton remains out until the new year as he recovers from his foot operation.