Newcastle United are considering one or two changes ahead of the clash with Crystal Palace

Matthias Jaissle has insisted that Dan Burn and Fabian Schar aren't simply here for the ride with Newcastle United this season.

The duo are in the autumn of their football careers, with the former Switzerland international taking on a new role as back-up man this season, while Dan Burn has been restricted to two cameos from the bench this term so far. Burn has just shaken off an ankle injury but was one of Thomas Tuchel's dressing room leaders during the World Cup last summer, also coming off the bench to chip in with appearances as a squad man in the United States.

There have been calls from some fans for the pair, both 34, to be reinstated into Newcastle's defensive rearguard against Crystal Palace this weekend. Schar and Burn were both part of the Eddie Howe team that won the Carabao Cup and got the Magpies into the Champions League.

But Jaissle has kept faith with Dutchman Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw for the majority of the season. With Burn back, Jaissle was asked whether he could emulate Tuchel with a bit-part role for the man from Blyth.

Jaissle said: "I could not have had too much of an impression of him because when he arrived in Newcastle after the World Cup he was injured straight away.

"Only now are we seeing him and what he brings. I see him training and qualities on the pitch, and his leadership qualities off the pitch.

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"He's an important player for us for sure. And he brings these elements on and off the pitch, we should enjoy having him back."

Schar has never been one to mince his words at Newcastle and call out issues on and off the field when standards dip. When asked if it was possible to keep the Swiss defender and Burn happy with substitute appearances, Jaissle said: "It's the same for all the other players. In fact, if you are not playing, you should not be happy - I hope they are not happy if they are not playing.

"If they were happy, something would be wrong. If they are satisfied with being on the bench, it would be wrong."

A defeat at Palace will result in more pressure from supporters for Jaissle to serve up something more familiar to the team that capitulated at Coventry and Leeds in 4-1 defeats. When asked when Schar - who has played just three times since January - and Burn could be back from the start, Jaissle said: "Fabian is the same as Dan, he has been out a long time, he is getting better and better physically in training.

"And we see his experience every day. For him, I am really happy that he's now had a few weeks where he could progress on a physical level, but also gave him the confidence again to play football."

One of the first moves Jaissle made as new manager when taking over from Eddie Howe in the summer was to hand Burn the club captaincy. Burn, Yoane Wissa, Malick Thiaw, Lewis Miley and vice-captain Joelinton made a revamped leadership group after captain Bruno Guimarares was sold to Arsenal and Sandro Tonali also left for Spurs.

Jaissle said: "Of course, you still have a leadership group that you rely on to take that accountability and responsibility, but there is also a process. There will be players stepping into that role, especially if they are so young. Suddenly, you found out, 'Wow, he showed up now.'

"They show that confidence on the pitch when he delivers exactly these attributes so that is progress. But we already have a group who can deliver that And having the captain that helps for sure."

Palace go into the game on the back of a trip to Istanbul after their Europa League encounter against Besiktas, and with memories still fresh from the 5-0 defeat at Brighton. When asked if it was a good time to play the Eagles, Jaissle said: "There is always times where you would and wouldn’t like to play against an opposition. They have had a heavy defeat and then drew yesterday. They will want a reaction.

"We can only focus on ourselves, what we can control. We are fully focused on Crystal Palace, to deliver the match plan."