ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC returns to Newcastle United's starting line-up for this afternoon's Championship game against Derby County.

Mitrovic replaces Daryl Murphy as part of three changes to the side that started Wednesday's 2-2 draw with QPR.

Skipper Jamaal Lascelles has a minor groin problem, and finds himself on the substitutes' bench.

Grant Hanley replaces him in the starting line-up, and will play alongside Ciaran Clark at the heart of the back four.

The other change comes in attacking midfield, with Mo Diame replacing Ayoze Perez after he came off the bench in midweek.

Derby boss Steve McClaren is making his first return to St James' Park since his dismissal as Newcastle boss towards the end of last season, and has named former Sunderland striker Darren Bent in his starting XI.

NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1): Darlow; Yedlin, Hanley, Clark, Dummett; Shelvey, Hayden; Ritchie, Diame, Gouffran; Mitrovic.

Subs: Elliot (gk), Gamez, Lazaar, Lascelles, Ameobi, Perez, Murphy.

DERBY (4-3-3): Carson; Baird, Keogh, Pearce, Olsson; Johnson, Butterfield, Bryson; Ince, Bent, Russell.

Subs: Mitchell (gk), Christie, Shackell, Anya, de Sart, Camara, Vydra.