Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton admits he may hand a debut to Sol Campbell for their Carling Cup tie with Chelsea.
The former England, Arsenal, Tottenham and Portsmouth defender has struggled to reach match fitness after signing for Chris Hughton's side on the eve of the season.
But Hughton says Campbell, 36, is ready for his first action in a Newcastle shirt after three reserve outings, although he will have the unenviable task of facing the English champions at Stamford Bridge.
Hughton said: "It will be tempting to give him his debut. He is ready and available and it will be a nice game for the XI that start there. All the things we knew about Sol he has demonstrated since being here. He is good around the place and good on the training pitch. Probably the only disappointment is that we got him as late as we did."