Rafael Benitez says form and fitness will have a say in his team selection for the visit of Rovers in the FA Cup.

But the Magpies boss insists he will name a ‘strong team’ with a view to progressing to the fourth round for the third season in succession.

He hasn’t gone beyond that stage during his time at St James’ Park, and has rotated his ranks in the last two years as Newcastle chased promotion in 2016/17 and battled against the drop in 2017/18.

Before Rovers head to the north east on January 5, both sides play four more times in the league.

And Benitez said: Asked whether he would name a strong team in the FA Cup, Benitez told the Newcastle Chronicle: “It will be easy to say ‘yes’, and we can have a headline saying: ‘Rafa is going for the cup.’

“But we will take it one game at a time, play some games over Christmas and then see where we are.

“Then we will see how many players we have available. If you do not have injuries and we go to January and you have the whole squad available, will I play the best players because I want to win the FA Cup? Maybe you give the others a chance.

“We won’t play the Under-21s in a way in which it’s because I don’t care. No, we will play a strong team trying to progress, using this squad - and it is a strong one with everyone available. Like now we have everyone almost available.”

Newcastle face Fulham, Liverpool, Watford and Manchester United before facing Rovers.

They go in to those games 14th in the Premier League table four points above the dropzone.

One man who could be set to feature against Rovers is Frenchman Florian Lejeune. The defender is making a comeback from four months out with a knee injury.

Benitez added: “Maybe we will have to give him some minutes. That would be good in my opinion.”