Newcastle boss McClaren to field strong team for Cobblers cup tie

The Magpies have several injury concerns for the tie, but McClaren is refusing to take the Cobblers lightly and has warned his side to be on top of their game.

Speaking to the club’s website in his pre-match press conference, the former England manager said: “We are taking it very seriously.

“Northampton are a good team who are strong. In football, any team on their day can beat anyone. If we’re not right, they will hurt us

“We have been watching them – they’re physical, strong and put in a lot of crosses.

“We will be putting out our strongest team possible, taking into account Saturday, this weekend and the strength in the squad.

“It will be a team that will be strong enough and good enough to win the game – the attitude has to be right though.”

Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini and goalkeeper Tim Krul are two players who could be rested.