GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM insists Newcastle United will face a completely different challenge when they head to Vicarage Road in the Premier League tomorrow – a fortnight after losing there in the FA Cup.

The Magpies are still working behind the scenes on adding West Brom striker Saido Berahino to Steve McClaren’s squad, although the clubs are a distance apart in terms of a fee.

It is understood the Baggies are willing to do business for around £22m while Newcastle hope to get a deal done for nearer £18m, which would smash the club’s transfer record.

There is also a strong interest in Tottenham winger Andros Townsend and McClaren is being regularly updated on developments, although his main focus over the next 48 hours is the trip to Watford.

Two weeks ago a decent Newcastle display ended with the Hornets clinching a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup, with Wijnaldum’s poor pass to Fabricio Coloccini the reason why Troy Deeney was able to hit the winner just before half-time.

On that afternoon Watford named top scorer Odion Ighalo and key midfielder Etienne Capoue on the bench. Both are expected back in the mix tomorrow, while Newcastle have been lifted by the arrivals of January recruits Jonjo Shelvey and Henri Saivet.

Wijnaldum said: “From both sides it will be different from the cup game. They will play with a stronger team. They didn't play it last time. The game will be different.

“Watford will play with players who were on the bench last time, and we have new players. Jonjo and Henri, so we know it is going to be a different game and we have to be ready for that.”

Since losing at Watford, Newcastle have collected four points from two games against Manchester United and West Ham but they remain in the bottom three.

But Wijnaldum is satisfied with the recent improvements, but accepts greater firepower is necessary.

He said: “It is about goals. It is the only thing I can think about now. Everything was good but we have forgot to score. On the other side we have made a few mistakes when the opponent scores at set plays. But if you make the chances you've got it doesn't matter that they score from a set piece.

“We can take that into Watford with confidence, knowing we can score and that we can add more down there after playing well last time.”

Wijnaldum’s goal return, he has nine, has been encouraging in his first season, even though they have all occurred at St James’ Park.

He said: “I have scored at the home games but I have the opportunity at Watford. I have the feeling also that I will score more in this position (through the middle).

“I know I will create chances. That is one of the qualities I have. You know that every game I can make goals, and that's what I hope to do.”

Former Newcastle skipper Kevin Nolan has been named the new manager of Leyton Orient.

In a surprise move by the board at Brisbane Road, the 33-year-old has been given a player-manager role at the League Two club and his first game will be Saturday’s trip to Wycombe Wanderers.

Sunderland, managed at West Ham by Sam Allardyce, had been regularly linked with a move to the Stadium of Light.

But Orient, who play Hartlepool on Easter Monday, have moved in to offer him his first management job after leaving West Ham by mutual consent over the summer.