NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1):

7 Darlow: Produced an excellent first-half save to deny Wallace when the scores were level, and should be playing ahead of Sels

7 Yedlin: Was solid in defence and became increasingly influential in attack as the night wore on with his pace coming to the fore

7 Hanley: Led the defensive line impressively and made an excellent first-half challenge when Gladon looked ready to pounce

6 Clark: Looked untroubled throughout as he enjoyed a relatively quiet evening against Wolves’ ineffective attackers

6 Lazaar: Enjoyed a trouble-free debut, although he let himself down with some wasteful first-half crossing

6 Shelvey: Patrolled the central area with a high degree of comfort and had more time on the ball than he was afforded at the weekend

6 Colback: Neat and tidy whenever he passed the ball and came close to scoring with a second-half shot that whistled wide

8 RITCHIE: The pick of Newcastle’s midfielders as he always looked to be positive from the right – took the opening goal superbly

7 Diame: Was much better than he had been at the weekend, and came within inches of scoring as he hit the crossbar

7 Gouffran: Continued his excellent recent spell with a spectacular volleyed goal, something that is becoming a bit of a trademark

6 Murphy: Battled away gamely and provided an aerial threat, but wasn’t able to get either of his best two chances on target

Subs:

Perez (for Diame, 72)

Atsu (for Gouffran, 74)

Lacelles (for Ritchie, 85)

(not used): Woodman (gk), Dummett, Hayden, Mitrovic.

WOLVES (4-3-3):

Lonergan 6; Silvio 5, Iorfa 4, Hause 5, Borthwick-Jackson 5; COADY 6, Teixeira 4 (John 46, 5), Saville 6; Mason 5 (Price 62, 4), Gladon 5, Wallace 4 (Bodvarsson 78).

Subs (not used): Ikeme (gk), Doherty, Batth, Oniangue.

Man Of The Match: MATT RITCHIE – The winger broke the deadlock with an excellent curled strike and was a constant threat from the right of Newcastle’s midfield.