Each of the Republic of Ireland under-21 international's six appearances so far have come from the bench - four of them coming this season.

His debut came as a late substitute against Chelsea in the Premier League in November 2023; the Galway-born 21-year-old has since made two further appearances from the bench in the league, two in the Carabao Cup and one in the FA Cup, and spent the second half of last season on loan with Bolton Wanderers.

But the defender is in from the start at St. James' Park for his first outing in the Champions League as Eddie Howe makes six changes to the side narrowly beaten at Manchester City at the weekend.

The Magpies are 6-1 up from last week's first leg, and Anthony Gordon - who scored four goals in Azerbaijan and celebrates his 25th birthday - is on the bench while Malick Thiaw, who also netted in Baku, is suspended.

But Alex Murphy's namesake, Jacob, makes his 251st appearance for Newcastle after scoring the final goal in last week's tie. He is 31 today. Kieran Trippier captains the side, with Aaron Ramsdale in goal.

The goalkeeper comes in for Nick Pope, with the two Murphys, Sven Botman, Joelinton and Harvey Barnes replacing Gordon, Thiaw, Lewis Hall, Joe Willock and Anthony Elanga in the first XI.

There are three keepers - Pope, John Ruddy and Aidan Harris - on the bench, while Sean Neave will look to get more action after making his debut late on in the first leg. Leo Shahar is on standby for his Magpies bow.

Newcastle United: Aaron Ramsdale, Kieran Trippier (c), Sven Botman, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, William Osula, Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade, Dan Burn, Alex Murphy

Substitutes: Nick Pope, John Ruddy, Aidan Harris, Lewis Hall, Yoane Wissa, Anthony Gordon, Anthony Elanga, Joe Willock, Leo Shahar, Sean Neave