ALAN Pardew is prepared to buck the trend and rest players to keep them fresh for the FA Cup if needed.

In recent years the world’s most famous club cup competition has become marginalised.

As the financial rewards for Premier League and Champions League success has grown, more managers have sent out under-strength sides in the cup competitions.

With the FA Cup offering Newcastle United’s best route into Europe, Pardew is prepared to go the other way – and pointed to his past as proof.

He is not underestimating the challenge posed by Brighton and Hove Albion, admitting he would be satisfied to return from the south coast with a replay.

Pardew, who has reportedly been knocked back in his latest offer for Watford’s Adrian Mariappa, said: “I did play a weakened side and took huge criticism at West Ham when we played Spurs (in 2006.

“We were due to play Middlesbrough after a Saturday game, I rested six or seven players and Spurs beat us handsomely.

“I was not too popular at the time but then we won against Boro in the semi-final and I was popular.

“So I would consider it. It is all about prioritising what is important and the teams in the relegation zone and in and around the bottom of the Premier League, I sympathise with them when the FA Cup comes round because your status and the financial impact is such you have to focus on the league.

“You have to adjust to where you are as well. Two points outside the Championship play-offs, Gus Poyet’s Seagulls are renowned for the quality of their football.

They already have one North East scalp this season, having knocked Sunderland out of the Carling Cup in August.

“This tie is one of the hardest ties in the round,” reflected Pardew, whose last job was as manager of Brighton’s local rivals Southampton.

“I would take a draw there for sure but we will be going there to win.