Over the past few weeks the Magpies line-up has only been tinkered with slightly, meaning that a number of experienced players have been waiting in the wings.

The likes of Graeme Lee, Luke Rodgers and, to a degree, Jamie Clapham have been featuring in smaller doses.

Tommy Johnson has praised the players' attitudes, declaring that their focus hasn't faltered despite being out of the team.

He has witnessed firsthand their determination to force their way back into the starting line-up on a regular basis.

The coach added that they will get their chance to shine over the coming weeks, as the fixtures continue to come in their droves.

He explained: "They're sound, they're right as rain and they know they'll get their chance.

"When you've got 19 or 20 professionals with the games coming thick and fast everybody's involved -everybody's part of the squad.

"When called upon, the lads who haven't probably played as much football as they would have liked, they will know they can do the job."

As for the players in the team, Johnson hailed their performances of late, right through the spine of the team.

He said: "We know deep down that we've got a solid back and it's not just the back four, there are other players.

"We've been keeping clean sheets and we know we've always got forwards who can score goals.

"But it's not just about the 11 that are playing, we've got a small squad that everybody's involved in."