Scunthorpe United manager Alan Knill is expecting a much-changed Newcastle United line-up to the one that played at the weekend.

Ahead of the televised Carling Cup second round clash at Glanford Park, the Magpies are sure to make alterations to a starting XI that beat rivals Sunderland 1-0 on Saturday.

Knill does not have the same luxury, with limited numbers at his disposal.

But the Iron boss is confident his players can rise to an occasion he labels as a 'good opportunity'.

"There is an excitement among the squad," he said.

"It is a good opportunity, especially with it being on the television, for the players to showcase what they have got and for the younger players to play against people they have never played against before.

"I think we are all looking forward to it.

"The big thing is it brings in X amount of pounds. It is all about generating revenue - going further in the cup helps that.

"We don't know what team they are going to put out.

"I don't think it will be the same team that played on Saturday. But you look at the squad and it is full of quality, so whichever side they put out, it is going to be a really good test for us."

The United manager is all too aware that, due to rescheduling, tomorrow's encounter is just two days before a trip to Sheffield Wednesday in League One.

It is a scenario that clearly frustrates Knill, but one he is powerless to change.

"It just makes it difficult," added the Scunthorpe supremo.

"It will be eight games in the month – it is ridiculous.

"But there is not much you can do about it and you just have to get on with it.

"We are going to put a strong team out (tomorrow) because we want to get through, we want to play more Premier League opposition and generate more money.

"(But) we are conscious of the Thursday-Saturday scenario - they are both really big games for different reasons.

"I am quite looking forward to both games, firstly so the players can test themselves against Premier League opposition and then test themselves against what everyone perceives as one of the better teams in the league."