Beram Kayal says Albion will not be overawed by playing at Newcastle.

The Israeli midfielder experienced big match atmospheres in front of large crowds at Celtic.

He believes that will stand him in good stead on his first visit to St James' Park.

Kayal told The Argus: "The Champions League nights were unbelievable at Celtic. The 'Old Firm' matches against Rangers in the first and second seasons were a great experience, something I will take with me throughout my career.

"Every player as a child dreams of being on that sort of stage, to be playing in front of 50 or 60,000 fans in the biggest stadiums in the world.

"I'm happy to have achieved that and I'm still hungry to be there, on the biggest stages every year."

Kayal is not alone. Chris Hughton's squad is crammed with players accustomed to top flight occasions at home and abroad and big games for their countries, as well as the cut and thrust of the Championship.

"Newcastle is going to be a great atmosphere and a great night for us," Kayal said.

"This league gives you a lot of experience. The club has been in the play-offs three times in recent years.

"The players have a lot of experience and are enjoying it. We are ready and looking forward to facing Newcastle."

Kayal is adjusting to a new experience this season with Albion - being left out even when fit and fresh.

He dominated the central midfield positions with Dale Stephens last season but re-signing Steve Sidwell permanently and the arrival of Northern Ireland international Ollie Norwood (below) from Reading has spiced up the competition.

The Argus: Kayal, who sat out the recent home win against Rotherham, said: "We have four, five, six players in this position, which gives the gaffer a lot of headaches about who is going to play.

"Already he has changed a lot and in other areas as well to refresh the team. Sometimes you play in games when you are not fresh, which can lead to injuries.

"This rotation is hard but the manager is thinking about 46 games. Last year around January we had too many injuries.

"It's something we've learned from last season. We need a lot of players in every area. Sometimes in this league it's not about the best players, it's about the best squad.

"Maybe it affects me, not to play as many games, but it's a massive lift for the team so I'm happy with that."

Hughton wants Kayal to increase the influence he already has on Albion's fortunes by improving his goal tally.

The 28-year-old brought to Britain by Celtic from Maccabi Haifa scored early on last season away from home at Huddersfield but had to wait until February for his only other goal against Bolton at the Amex.

"I agree with him (Hughton)," Kayal said. "Last year I improved a lot on the attacking side. I had more assists than ever before.

"Everyone knows my style is to drive the game. I didn't have too many opportunities to score or provide assists but I did things before the last touch.

"If we'd gone to the Premier League without goals from me I'd have been a happy man. But it is one of the areas I want to progress, to score more goals.

"I normally don't think about myself. I think about the team and then if we win it's like scoring a hat-trick but it's one of the things I'm working on."