Dwight Gayle is out of Newcastle's showdown with Albion at the Amex tomorrow night.

The former Crystal Palace hotshot has not recovered in time from a recurrence of hamstring trouble.

Manager Rafa Benitez confirmed: "He is still improving but not ready for this game."

 

Newcastle, a point behind Albion in second, also visit third-placed Huddersfield on Saturday and fifth-placed Reading three days later in a tough burst of away games.

Benitez is more concerned about a hectic April than Albion being their toughest test so far. He said: "On paper? Maybe. But in April there are seven games to play.

"Chris Hughton is doing a great job and he has a very good team."