Source: Team_Talk
Strong Royals XI for Toon clash
Rodgers made nine changes for the Carling Cup clash with Burton in midweek after a flurry of international call-ups and saw his youngsters record a hugely impressive 5-1 win over the League Two side.However, Rodgers is still set to recall Adam Federici, Ryan Bertrand, Jem Karacan, Hal Robson-Kanu and Simon Church for the trip to St James' Park after they all returned unscathed.Noel Hunt is pushing for his first start of the season as he continued his comeback from a foot injury with a substitute appearance on Tuesday night but brother Stephen has left the club to join Hull.Andre Bikey sits out the fourth game of his five-match ban so new signing Matt Mills may make his league debut alongside captain Alex Pearce. Ivar Ingimarsson (knee) remains Rodgers' only long-term problem.The match kicks off at 5.20pm.