Watford's US defender Jay DeMerit is in the frame for a comeback today against Newcastle United. Hornets boss Malky Mackay says his captain's fitness will be assessed before the team leave for St James Park but the Watford Observer says the USA international is expected to be in the 18-man squad.

DeMerit has been out since the beginning of September due to an eye injury but 'revolutionary surgery' has halved his recovery time.