Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe will pick the brains of one of his unsung heroes in the build-up to the FA Cup trip to Birmingham City.

In 38-year-old veteran stopper John Ruddy, Howe knows he has a bank of Blues knowledge to tap into ahead of the fourth round clash at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park. Ruddy only left Birmingham last season after being unable to help prevent relegation into League One.

With the Blues flying high at the top of League One, Newcastle face a tricky test against a side who last tasted defeat in November. Chris Davies' side sit pretty at the summit of the third flight with 63 points and two games in hand over their rivals and only a major landslide will stop them going up now.

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But they turn their attentions to Newcastle with Ruddy set to be a key man for this fixture - despite not yet playing a senior competitive match for the Magpies. Howe told Chronicle Live: "John Ruddy has knowledge of most clubs! He's had a long and illustrious career and he's played for some great teams.

"We'll be speaking to him about that and lots of different things."

Ruddy, signed as a back-up keeper at the start of pre-season, has been involved in a host of match day squads and while he has only officially been named on the bench five times, Howe sees Ruddy as an extra support unit for players to tap into his experience.

He said: "John has been brilliant behind the scenes, I have to say. I can't praise people like John enough. John has come into the football club and he has fully embraced everything we do.

"He is here for youth games and reserve games. He has really invested in trying to help people. Every player I am sure he has touched in some way. John has been a vital part of what we have done this year."

Alongside Mark Gillespie, Ruddy also offers a vital service in training, working alongside Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka and Odysseas Vlachodimos. It means Newcastle are extremely well stocked in that department.

Howe, of course, has a selection dilemma for the teatime game at Birmingham. Dubravka has performed admirably in goal, but Pope is itching to return to the fray after a couple of months out with injury.