Rafa Benitez has insisted there are no hard feelings between himself and former Newcastle United striker Adam Armstrong.
The Geordie boy left the club in the summer on a permanent move after failing to earn a place in Benitez’s squad.
Blackburn Rovers stepped forward to sign Armstrong for £1.7million and Benitez says he has no regrets over the decision.
He told the Chronicle: “Sometimes you have to think about the best for everyone.
“When a young player has no chance of playing too many minutes in the team it is important for him and everybody around him to realise he has to play.
“He has to play and compete, that is the only way he will improve and grow as a player.”
Armstrong has netted five goals in 26 appearances for Blackburn and is likely to start the game at St James’ Park.
Benitez said: “It was a good move for him and he has had minutes there.
“He is playing regularly at a good level.
“He’s at a team that also likes to play good football and they are doing well.
“It is a good experience for him.”
Armstrong is also looking forward to a return to the North East, and said: “I can’t wait.
“I was buzzing when the draw came out and then quickly started receiving a lot of texts and calls.
“I obviously wanted Newcastle, and once they came out it was almost written in the stars that Blackburn would come out. It will be great to go home.
“I’m looking forward to it. It should be a good day and hopefully we can come out with the right result.
“It’s not hit me yet, but I think it will when I get on the pitch.
“I’m excited, because I don’t actually think I started a first team game there for Newcastle.”
