Rob Elliot is in line to make his return from injury as Newcastle United Under-23s take on Aston Villa at St. James' Park on Monday night (kick-off 7pm).

The Republic of Ireland international has been out of action since suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury while playing for his country back in March.

It required surgery and a lengthy period of rehabilitation, but now, eight months on, the 30-year-old is set to feature for Peter Beardsley's second string in the Premier League 2 clash under the lights.

“It’s the final box to tick. I've practised everything in training, I've done everything in the gym. It’s been just over eight months now, so it’s been a long time," said Elliot, speaking to nufc.co.uk last week. "It’ll be good to take my name off the injured list and hopefully be back in the plans to get back in with the first team.

"It’ll be good to go back and play at St. James’ and get my bearings back again. It’s great walking out there, and even in a reserve game that will be great. It’ll feel like I'm taking off from where I left off from.”

Beardsley's youngsters are unbeaten in their last three league games, with victories over Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers sandwiching a 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion.

Tickets for tonight's game at St. James' Park are available at the turnstiles, priced at £3 for adults and £1 for concessions. Season ticket holders and members get free admission.