FABIAN SCHAR and Joe Willock have both been selected in Eddie Howe's first starting line-up as Newcastle head coach.

Howe is not at St James' Park for the game against Brentford, but the former Bournemouth boss is responsible for the selection of today's starting side.

Karl Darlow gets the nod to remain in goal despite Martin Dubravka being back to full fitness.

The Northern Echo:

Schar is part of what is expected to be a three-man central defensive, with Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark also in the side.

Jacob Murphy and Matt Ritchie look like lining up at wing-back, with Willock playing alongside Jonjo Shelvey at the heart of midfield.

Callum Wilson will lead the line, with Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton supporting him in attack.

NEWCASTLE (3-4-3): Darlow; Schar, Lascelles, Clark, Murphy, Shelvey, Willock, Ritchie; Saint-Maximin, Wilson, Joelinton.

Subs: Dubravka, Lewis, Hayden, Krafth, Manquillo, Fraser, Almiron, Gayle, Longstaff.

BRENTFORD (3-4-3): Fernandez; Roerslev, Jansson, Pinnock; Canos, Norgaard, Janelt, Henry; Mbuemo, Toney, Ghoddos.

Subs: Cox, Forss, Baptiste, Goode, Bidstrup, Maghoma, Onyeka, Haygarth, Thompson.