Michael Richardson and Paul Dummett have ben included in the squads for last two games as cover, but it is 18-year-old Vuckic, who was tracked by both Real Madrid and AC Milan as a youngster, who has been tipped to be a real star of the future.
The Slovenian made three appearances under Chris Hughton in the Carling Cup this term and Alan Pardew says he knows all about the youngster.
Kaz LuaLua is another tipped to be a star, but he broke his leg while playing for Brighton at Hartlepool in November.
Pardew: “Haris has had a little operation to tidy up the knee. Kaz is also on the way back to recovery, but he’s a fair way away at the moment.
"I enjoyed watching him (Lua Lua) play a fair bit last season when he was at Brighton. He’s got pace and he’s direct – I like those sort of players.”