Serbian hitman Aleksandar Mitrovic is desperate to be let off his leash against Norwich City.

The striker hasn't started a game since scoring in Newcastle United's 6-0 Championship rout at QPR. After coming off the bench twice, and being an unused substitute in the other game, Mitrovic is hoping he gets his chance from the off tonight as the Magpies look to see off the in-form Canaries – a side the targetman netted three times against last season.

He said: 'I played two games against Norwich and scored three goals, so hopefully I will score again and help my team to win the game.

'That's what we want, and when we play at home, we have our fans behind us so we have to play a good game. The relationship between the players and fans is really close. They just want the players to fight and give everything on the pitch, and that's the most important thing for them.

'You can see even if we lose a game and play good football, they will give applause, they will sing and keep singing all season.'

The Serb bagged a brace during Newcastle's 3-2 defeat at Carrow Road in April having got on the scoresheet once in the sides' showdown at St James' Park.

Mitrovic also told his club's official website: 'I always want more goals, and any striker wants to be better. I want to be better this season and score as many as I can. But I'm a team player, and first of all it's important that the team wins games. The goals will come.'

DeAndre Yedlin (ankle) is an injury doubt, Vurnon Anita is banned but Jack Colback is in line to return for Rafael Benitez' men.