- by Kirstie Geddes

Doncaster Rovers midfielder and former Newcastle United man James Coppinger believes that with the mix of great team spirit and fantastic players within the Magpies' ranks, they deserve to be at the top of the Coca-Cola Championship.

Coppinger and the Rovers face Newcastle United on Tuesday night at Keepmoat Stadium and Coppinger has emphasised that this game is going to be a tough game for Rovers, against the top of the table Magpies, who are looking to get back into the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The midfielder, who spent four years at St. James' Park at the beginning of his career, never thought that he would be playing against Newcastle in The Championship. Still a follower of Newcastle United, the 29 year-old was disappointed to see them relegated last season.

"It's going to be a tough game," Coppinger said.

"They're top of the league, they have some fantastic players and they'll be looking to get back into the Premier League. It's always good to play against the best teams in the League, but we're in for a hard game."

"I thought that if I would ever have to play against Newcastle United, I would have to play in the Premier League. I was disappointed to see them relegated last season. They've done fantastically well and you've got to take your hat off to the players who have stuck together and they have got a fantastic team spirit there and they deserve to be where they are."