Steve Harper is trying to help Newcastle plot their way past Albion in the FA Cup.

The North-East giants will use inside information from their veteran goalkeeper for Saturday’s fourth round visit to The Amex.

Harper kept two clean sheets in five games on loan to Albion in October and November.

A knee injury has ruled him out of Newcastle’s preparation trip to Tenerife but the 36-year-old revealed: “I will be making the trip down there on Saturday.

“I will be giving our analysts the feedback and will be in the party that goes down there to give them as much insight as I can.”

Harper was particularly impressed during his time with Albion by captain Gordon Greer and centre-half partner Lewis Dunk, who has been linked with a summer move to Newcastle.

He has warned the Toon they face a stern examination but expects Alan Pardew’s side to respond to last Saturday’s 5-2 Premier League defeat at Fulham.

Harper said: “It’s good draw – but a tough draw. Brighton are very comfortable on the ball and play total football. I can’t see the ball being in the air much. They have two very good centre backs and have a lot of strength elsewhere too.

“The Amex will be full and Brighton have nothing to lose. We’ve got to go there and make sure we get off to a good start. I’m sure the lads will be still hurting after Fulham.

“But by Saturday the lads will have been away and the manager will have scrutinised the performance and highlighted the key the areas where it went wrong. We will be going there with a point to prove.

“It will be a lively atmosphere but it will be up to us to stop Brighton on what will be a tough evening.”

Harper has also praised Albion boss Gus Poyet and his staff following his brief stint at The Amex.

“He’s a very impressive young manager and he believes in playing the game in what he sees as the right way, which is great to see,” Harper added. “He has a good set of staff behind him and with Mauricio Taricco with him too it’s a cracking set up.”