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while Billing returned early from Denmark Under 21 duty.

Both appear ready for the trip to the North East, however, with Wagner confirming: “Aaron and Phil are back on the grass with the fitness coaches and will be back with the group tomorrow. They are both in contention for Saturday.”

Town are looking to end a run of three matches without a win since their last success at West Brom, but Wagner is in positive mood.

“It’s a very exciting game against Newcastle,” said Wagner, whose side are 15th in the table and three points above the drop zone.

“We are in the most exciting period of the season and entering the last few yards, and we do have very good memories from Newcastle.”

Kongolo hasn’t figured Town since being injured in the 2-0 defeat by Tottenham at Wembley. He completed the 90 minutes but came out of the game with a hip injury.

Stankovic has been out with a knee ligament injury for 13 months, last appearing in last season’s FA Cup replay defeat by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

“Injury wise we are in a good place,” said Wagner, who is focusing on the Newcastle trip as the first match of seven en route to safety.

“Only Michael Hefele and Danny Williams are out until the end of the season.

“Terence Kongolo has been back in training since the international break.

“He is in contention. It’s a big boost for all of us b ecause he played very well before his injury.”