RALPH Hasenhuttl admitted the availability of Jannik Vestergaard for Saints’ showdown with Newcastle was a “difficult situation” but insisted: “If we need him, he will be there.”

The Danish defender had been in stunning form for the St Mary’s side before being struck down by a knee injury in December.

Vestergaard’s last appearance came in the Premier League against Manchester City at St Mary’s – he has since missed seven top-flight fixtures.

Hasenhuttl said the 28-year-old could be available for tomorrow’s trip to Tyneside – but admitted it would not be the “best preparation”.

Asked how much of a boost it would be for Vestergaard to return, Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo: “Yes. It’s a difficult situation for him.

“I don’t know if he’s available for the weekend because after such a long time out you should normally have the same time for preparing for playing again.

“It’s different to be fit for the training, or fit for a Premier League game.

“But what I can say about Jannik is he’s such a strong character and personality that I think he would try to handle this.

“It’s not a best preparation but if I asked him to play, I am sure he will do it.

“If we need him, he will be there. This is part of his mentality and his character – this is what I like in him.”

Saints could also have Oriol Romeu and Kyle Walker-Peters back in time to face Steve Bruce’s Magpies.