NEWCASTLE made five changes for today's FA Cup third round tie at Brighton, omitting striker Papiss Cisse from the squad altogether.

Rob Elliot started in goal and Shola Ameobi was named captain in a weakened team that demonstrated manager Alan Pardew's priority was the Barclays Premier League.

Brighton named winger Will Buckley, who has been struggling with a hamstring injury, on the bench.

Brighton: Ankergren, David Lopez, Greer, El-Abd, Bridge, Bridcutt, Hammond, Orlandi, Barnes, Mackail-Smith, Dicker. Subs: Kuszczak, Dunk, Hoskins, Crofts, Dobbie, LuaLua, Buckley.

Newcastle: Elliot, Tavernier, Perch, Williamson, Santon, Anita, Abeid, Bigirimana, Obertan, Shola Ameobi, Sammy Ameobi. Subs: Krul, Amalfitano, Marveaux, Ranger, Ferguson, Dummett, Campbell.

Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire)