Former Toronto FC coach John Carver has first crack at succeeding Alan Pardew at Newcastle United.

The Daily Mail says Carver has been placed in temporary charge of first-team affairs.

The Newcastle-born coach boasts a 100-per-cent record as caretaker boss having guided the Magpies to a 3-0 win over Blackburn in the wake of Sir Bobby Robson's sacking in 2004.

Should he impress during a busy January period then a deal until the end of the season at least could be in the offing.