Uwe Huenemeier will tell his Albion boss he is ready to face Newcastle – if required.

The German defender ended his eight-month injury nightmare by returning as skipper at Oxford last night.

He reported no ill-effects to his hour of action after returning from a serious groin problem.

Now he is prepared to do it all again at St James’s Park if Chris Hughton opts to throw him back in at the deep end in terms of Championship action.

Huenemeier said: “It’s the manager’s decision. I know we are struggling a bit with defenders.

“I feel quite good. It’s good to have 60 minutes under my belt now.

“We will see what happens in the next few days. If the manager needs me for the weekend I’ll be ready so let’s see what happens.”

Huenemeier’s return came just 24 hours after Solly March made his comeback from a serious knee injury.

The centre-back added: “It’s a brilliant feeling to be back. I had massive support from the boys. I have waited for this for so long.”

The third-round draw takes place tonight and late goalscorer Tomer Hemed said: “I’d prefer to get a big club in the next round. I’d like that feeling of playing against a Premier League club.”