After a run of rather patchy league form, the FA Cup may well provide Newcastle United with a welcome distraction from all the promotion-induced pressure clearly taking its toll on their players.
A trip to the Second City will see the Magpies square off against Birmingham City in an all Championship cash, with the Toon having smashed the Blues 4-0 earlier in the campaign.
Crucial to that win was striker Dwight Gayle, though manager Rafa Benitez has today confirmed he will be going with a different man to lead the line tomorrow afternoon.
Enter, Aleksandar Mitrovic.
It’s been a frustrating season for the Serbian, who has largely lived in Gayle’s shadow, though has proved a good option in cup competition.
Such is the nature of his standing on Tyneside, Magpies fans on Twitter have reacted with delight about the 23-year-old being handed a starting berth by Benitez.
Here are some of the best reactions.
Mitro getting a start tomorrow……needs to be at it show the manager he's worth a place in the side make Rafa's life difficult #nufc
— Lee Johnson RAFA! (@Lee5_1Johnson) January 6, 2017
Hope Mitro starts tomorrow, and I hope he bags a few goals. We need a spark in front of goal ATM and I'm hoping the big man can be it #nufc
— Joe McLaughlan (@nufcUNITE) January 6, 2017
Good news about Mitro! Can't hide the passion he has for the game..hopefully its contagious #NUFC #ToonArmy
— Will Harbin (@wlharbin) January 6, 2017
Mitro Must Take His Chance Tomorrow #NUFC
— Sam Chipperfield (@SamChipperfield) January 6, 2017
Expecting a reaction from #Mitro tamora, but will it be a Hat-Trick or a straight red, who knows #nufc
— John Dixon (@DickoNortheast) January 6, 2017
Great news about mitro #nufc
— GeordiesDownUnder (@ToonArmyAust) January 6, 2017