Newcastle's U21s could face Sunderland's first team again as Checkatrade Trophy entry is confirmed

Newcastle United will once again field an Under-21 side in the Checkatrade Trophy next season - raising the prospect of another 'Tyne-Wear derby lite'.

at the Stadium of Light in January, before the Black Cats went on to lose in the final to Portsmouth on penalties.

With Sunderland still a League One side, the Wearsiders' first team will again take part in the competition, meaning Newcastle's second string could again take on the Magpies' bitter local rivals.

A total of 16 academy sides have been invited into the competition for 2019/20, including Liverpool and Manchester United for the first time, while Newcastle will take part in the tournament for the third season in succession.

Next term, all of the Premier League's so-called 'Big Six' will enter teams into the competition, meaning Newcastle could come up against some very talented development side if they progress to the knock-out stages.

Man United's head of academy, and former Newcastle midfielder, Nicky Butt said of the Red Devils' first involvement in the competition: "We are looking forward to being involved in the EFL Trophy next season.

"The competition provides a range of experiences that will act as the ideal platform for the development of our homegrown talent.

Newcastle United Under-21s took on Sunderland's first team in the Checkatrade Trophy last season (Newcastle United)

"We are always looking to be innovative in order to find the best development path for our young players; the opportunity to face senior opponents will benefit them greatly."

Last term, Ben Dawson's reserves advanced out of a group containing Doncaster Rovers, Grimsby Town and Notts County, before defeating Macclesfield Town on penalties at St James' Park in the first knock-out round, only to lose 4-0 to Sunderland's first team on Wearside.

With Dawson having stepped up to a technical role at Newcastle's Academy, soon-to-be-appointed reserve-team manager Neil Redfearn will take charge of the young Magpies in the competition.

The draw for the group stage of the Checkatrade Trophy will be made in July, while the first round of pool games will take place during the week beginning Monday, September 2.