Gary Caldwell believes his former Darlington teammates will cause a mini-upset in the third round on Tuesday and secure a tie against Newcastle United.

The Stirling-born centre-half spent a month on loan at Feethams before returning to St James Park in December, but saw enough of Quakers during his temporary transfer to believe Tommy Taylor's side are capable of beating Second Division Peterborough next week to set-up one of the ties of the round.

"I think Darlington will beat Peterborough now, as the incentive is there to reach the next round because they will face Newcastle," said Caldwell who since returning to Newcastle has had an abscess removed from his back and is still more than a week away from returning to reserve football.

"Peterborough are in the Second Division, but that gap doesn't mean much in the cup, particularly as it's at Feethams. I think they should get through.

"Darlington will be buzzing right now.

"They were hoping for a big draw in the third round when I was there but they got a Second Division side.

"Now they've got the chance of a big game and if they do get through it would be nice if the game could go ahead at Feethams."

The 19-year-old, who returned to Newcastle saying he wanted to get into the reserve side and has yet to make his a Premiership appearance in his career, was outstanding in his time at Darlington, making four appearances and is looking forward to the derby - should Quakers win on Tuesday.

The Newcastle defender, a teammate of Olivier Bernard who is now prominent feature at St James Park since spending time on loan at Feethams last season, said: "When Darlington and Peterborough came up in the draw on the television I was sitting next to Brian Kerr and we both looked at each other as if we knew what was coming."

"Then, of course, Newcastle United came out of the hat and we couldn't believe it. It was uncanny.

"If it's at St James's Park, Newcastle United should win comfortably, but it would still be a great occasion for the North East.

"I'm sure if they do get through the gaffer might be wanting some inside information on Darlington!"

* Mark Kilty made a long overdue return to action from injury last night during Darlington reserves' 2-0 defeat to Lincoln City.

Midfielder Kilty, who suffered a cruciate ligament injury last year, played the last 20 minutes of the match at Feethams.

It is the second time the reserves have lost in just three days following their defeat at Bury.

Read more about the Quakers here.