The versatile midfielder will be hoping to make his debut after completing his switch from Plymouth last week.
Adam Lallana has shaken off the knock which kept him out of last weekend's 2-0 win over Stockport and fellow midfielder Lloyd James has recovered from an ankle injury.
Boss Alan Pardew therefore has a number of selection dilemmas with Lee Holmes, Paul Wotton, Michail Antonio and Morgan Schneiderlin all sweating on their places.
Skipper Dean Hammond (calf), full-back Graeme Murty (ankle) and striker David Connolly (groin) are still on the sidelines. Defender Dan Seaborne returns to the Devon club a month after leaving to join Saints.
Source: PA
Source: PA