Leeds United head coach is looking forward to coming up against one of the best sides in the division, when his team travel to St James’ Park on Friday. 

The Whites are looking to record back to back wins in the Sky Bet Championship following the 3-0 victory over Preston North End last time out.

Monk is optimistic his side will be bolstered some injury returns and believes his side are capable of bringing back three points.

“We are hopeful Hadi Sacko and Liam Bridcutt will be back in the squad and available for Newcastle, which is good,” said Monk.

“Liam Cooper is still suspended and Tyler Denton and Marco Silvestri are the only injury concerns.

“We have had to send Marco away for an operation on his knee, we are unsure at the moment if he will be back before the end of the season.

“All the goalkeepers have been working very well this season, it is a disappointment to lose Marco, but it opens a door for someone else.

“Newcastle are obviously one of the best sides in the league, their objective at the start of the season was very clear, to win automatic promotion and they are on course to do that.

“They are an exceptional team, they have a very big and talented squad and they are where they are expected to be.

“We will go up with the same attitude as always, we have good confidence from the win over Preston North End and we want to prove what we are capable of in these last five games.

“We will try and pose ourselves, play our football, defend well which we will have to do at St James’ Park and try to give a good account of ourselves.

“When we are at our best we know we can beat anybody in this league, we know it will be very difficult to do that, but we go up there with that intention.”

LUTV subscribers can see the full interview with Garry Monk below: