DARYL MURPHY returns to spearhead the Newcastle United attack in this afternoon's Championship game with Rotherham United.

Having been rested for the midweek FA Cup win over Birmingham, Murphy will lead the line as the Magpies look to recover top spot in the table in the wake of Brighton's win over Sheffield Wednesday last night.

Rafael Benitez has made seven changes from the side that beat the Blues on Wednesday, with Karl Darlow returning in goal.

Jamaal Lascelles will partner Ciaran Clark at the heart of the back four, with Jonjo Shelvey playing alongside Isaac Hayden in midfield.

Ayoze Perez will play in the 'number ten' position, with Matt Ritchie and Yoan Gouffran on either side of him.

NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1): Darlow; Yedlin, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett; Shelvey, Hayden; Ritchie, Perez, Gouffran; Murphy.

Subs: Sels (gk), Hanley, Lazaar, Haidara, Sterry, Barlaser, Ameobi.

ROTHERHAM (4-1-4-1): O'Donnell; Fisher, Wood, Belaid, Mattock; Smallwood; Forde, Vaulks, Adeyemi, Newell; Yates.

Subs: Bilboe (gk), Kelly, Ward, Taylor, Wilson, Allan, Mason.