RELAXED UWE CAN STEPOUT OF THE SHADOW
UWE Hunemeier knows what it takes to get promoted to the top tier, and he is desperate to feel that rush again at Brighton.
The German defender earned promotion to the Bundesliga with unfashionable SC Paderborn 07 back in 2014 and is convinced that experience will stand him in good stead.
Having come so close last season, Brighton reaching the Premier League this term would be far less of a shock than Paderborn’s success, but the 31-year-old is still keen to be part of history.
“There’s nothing better than getting promoted,” said Hunemeier. “I’ve done it once with Paderborn and that was a big surprise.
“We’re now in a really good position. We came close last year and now we want to do it. I want to perform well, be part of the team and help us get to where we all want to be.”
Hunemeier has battled a muscle tear and a fractured hand this season, meaning his start in Brighton’s 2-0 win over Rotherham in midweek was just his second Championship appearance of the campaign.
It came after Shane Duffy was ruled out for six weeks with a foot problem – and the towering centreback is now ready to push on.
“I’m happy with my fitness level and I’m feeling quite good,” added Hunemeier.
“I wasn’t in the team for a long, long time but I couldn’t blame anyone because Dunky (Lewis Dunk) and Duffy have done so well.
“You have to be in the best shape, train well and that’s what I do all the time.
“I had to wait for the time when I’d be needed, so I’m quite happy to be back on the pitch now.
“It’s good for the team spirit that boys who hadn’t been playing stepped in against Rotherham and performed well.
“That’s what you want to have as a team.”