Newcastle United are storming at the top of the Championship table and few are expecting them to back down after a blistering start under manager Rafa Benitez.

They're clear at the top of the league and you won't find many Geordies who think they'll be in the same division next season.

But with some fantastic players really performing right now, some Magpies supporters have been reflecting on some of the best players to have ever graced the famous St James' Park pitch.

Whether some of the current crop would get in there just yet is to be seen but there is no doubting there have been some real stars play for the Toon in the past.

And with them going so well at the top of the league, we want to take a look at the best combined side in history to really bring the memories back.

So with that in mind, FLW's Hayden Atkins takes us through his all-time best Newcastle United XI - Do you agree?

Shay Given

There was a few contenders for goalkeepers, both old and new but we've gone with Shay Given, who had a fantastic spell at the club for over 12 years.

He's been selected in PFA team's of the year, competed in World Cup's and won the Intertoto Cup with Newcastle back in 2006. A real legend.

Frank Hudspeth

We're really going back in time for this one but at left-back, we're going with Frank Hudspeth.

He's as high as they come on the all-time appearance list for the Toon having featured over 470 times in a 19-year career and is fondly remember by the Newcastle faithful.

Bobby Moncur

Again, we're taking you back a few years and choosing Bobby Moncur as our first centre-halve.

He played for the Toon during the late 60's and into the 70's and he's often been tipped as one of the best captains Newcastle have ever seen. He was a good old fashioned sweeper who led his team to their last major honour, the Fairs Cup, now more commonly known as the Europa League.

Fabricio Coloccini

Not everyone's cup of tea but there is little doubting how good Fabricio Coloccini was on his day for Newcastle United.

He was at St James' Park for over eight years and whilst he wasn't immune from criticism, some of his performances were truly memorable.

Alan Pardew once compared him to England legend Bobby Moore- not bad at all.

Bill McCracken

Billy "Bill" McCracken was a Northern Irish international who played as a right-back for the Toon for twenty years.

He's known as the man that changed the offside rule having mastered it during his time in the North East. He helped the club to three league titles and an FA Cup crown.

David Ginola

There is little explanation needed with our left-winger choice and it's David Ginola that comes into the side.

Adored by fans all over the world, he was known as one of Kevin Keegan's "entertainers" and it was clear why. He frequently dazzled opposition players with his skill and turns and went on to become one of the most exciting players we've ever seen in England.

Gary Speed

Even writing this is slightly emotional but digging into Gary Speed's footballing past reminds us of what a good player he was throughout his career.

Although he was slightly more known for his time with Leeds United and Bolton Wanderers, the Welshman appeared over 220 times for the Magpies and he controlled the midfield throughout the entirety of his spell.

Rob Lee

In beside Gary Speed is Rob Lee, who was known as much for his footballing play-style as his cheeky chappy persona.

He was another Keegan favourite who slightly lost his way under Ruud Gullit before coming back to the forefront of the team under Sir Bobby Robson.

He was at Newcastle for over ten years and it's safe to say he won't have to buy a drink if he ever makes an appearance at a bar in the North East. A real fans favourite.

Nolberto Solano

A slightly out-there choice, but there is little arguing how good Nobby Solano was for the Magpies at times during his spell with the club.

Newcastle will struggle to ever find a better set-piece taker whilst most of his 45 goals for the club were absolute screamers.

Alan Shearer

Probably the easiest pick in this side is Alan Shearer, who is well renowned for being Newcastle's version of Jesus Christ.

He dispatched an enormous 206 times during his time with the club, whilst he also captained the side for a large part of his career too.

He's one of the best strikers we've seen in Premier League history and if you doubt that, just throw his name into YouTube- you'll be there a few hours.

Peter Beardsley

Wow, this was a difficult choice with so much quality to pick from.

But we've gone with Peter Beardsley who is one of the most popular players in Newcastle United history. He was compared to Matt Le Tissier on more occasions than you can probably count but he really was something special.

Breathtaking skill, wicked skill and an excellent ability to find the back-of-the-net gets Peter Beardsley in our starting XI.