RONNY JOHNSEN is preparing for his second St Mary's outing in as many months.

The 35-year-old veteran centre half made a half-hour substitute's appearance for Saints in a pre-season friendly against Chievo Verona last month.

The former Manchester United and Aston Villa defender was offered a short-term contract - to tide Saints over until Michael Svensson returned from injury - but the ex-Norwegian international turned it down.

Now Graeme Souness has made the player, released by Villa last May, his first signing as Newcastle boss, though he has only signed until January when the transfer window re-opens.

And Johnsen, right, could be drafted into the Toon's starting line-up at St Mary's on Sunday as centre half Aaron Hughes went off injured during last night's UEFA Cup win over Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin.

Hughes had been an ever-present alongside Andy O'Brien at the heart of the Newcastle defence since Jon Woodgate was sold to Real Madrid last month.

Johnsen's last appearance was in winning his 61st cap for Norway against Wales in May.

Souness will also be without England international midfielder Kieron Dyer on Sunday after he suffered a hamstring injury last night.

Dyer scored twice as the Toon won 3-0 at Saints in the FA Cup in January.