Adam Virgo today branded himself "stupid" for rapidly reaching the brink of a ban.

The Albion defender turned emergency centre forward will be walking a disciplinary tightrope at Watford on Saturday after bookings in each of the last four games.

Another caution at Vicarage Road will mean an automatic one-match suspension for the goalscoring hero of the Seagulls' shock victory at Leicester.

Virgo would then miss the home game against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday week, since bans for five bookings now come into effect seven days after the last caution instead of 14 days.

Virgo's yellow peril began at Wigan last month, where he was booked for a first half foul on Jason Roberts.

He had his name taken in similar circumstances three days later in the Carling Cup exit at home to Bristol Rovers, then was booked again in the dying stages of Albion's opening Coca-Cola Championship victory against Preston for not retreating.

Virgo collected his fourth caution in the space of ten days at Leicester after scoring the only goal.

The Brighton-born powerhouse reacted to a challenge from Danny Tiatto as he kicked the ball into touch for team-mate Leon Knight to receive treatment.

"I think I have been a bit unfortunate and stupid as well," Virgo admitted.

"I just think two of them I could have avoided, and maybe two of them were a bit harsh.

"I've got to be careful, but I am not going to change the way I play. If I have to win a tackle on Saturday and I get booked for it then that is just the way it is.

"The manager hasn't spoken to me about it. They are not bad tackles, just stupid things I could do without.

"I got a couple of bookings last season in 26 games and now I have already got four in seven, so I have got to take a look at myself really and not retaliate, just walk away."

Virgo was frustrated by Albion's blank weekend following the Bank Holiday win double against Preston and Leicester, a situation which will be repeated both next month and in March to avoid clashes with international matches.

"The break we've had may have been bad in a way because we had just got on a roll with two wins," Virgo said. "You want to keep playing and keep the confidence going.

"Sometimes it happens during matches, where you are doing so well in the first half that you just don't want half time to come. It's a bit like that really. On the other hand, it's nice to have a rest and recharge the batteries ready to go again on Saturday.

"We played well against Leicester with the quality they've got. Watford are going to be no different. We will show them respect but hopefully get another three points."

The role Virgo has to play remains to be seen, with fit-again striker Chris McPhee creeping closer to a first team return.

"The manager hasn't spoken to me about anything yet," Virgo said. "Hopefully Chris can get back in the team and start scoring some goals with Leon.

"If I have to play up front I'd be more than happy to, if he slots me back in at rightback I'll do my best again."