Kerry Mayo insists Albion can learn from bitter experience when they step up a division.

The long-serving leftback was part of the side relegated from Division One two seasons ago after a nightmare early season run of defeats.

Now, with the Seagulls poised to return to the second tier of English football, he is tipping them to beat the drop.

Mayo, 26, said: "I think the experience of Division One we had a couple of seasons ago will help us.

"We had that bad run of 12 games without a single point. If we had just got one win out of those games we would have been safe.

"I think we will learn from that. We will be a lot fitter and I think we will be better prepared this time.

"We've got a bit of stability in that we know who our manager will be going into the season."

Mayo pinpoints the fact that manager Mark McGhee is still on board from last season, whereas two years ago Martin Hinshelwood was appointed as boss just before the first friendly.

He added: "Hinsh didn't have time to go out and get the players he wanted.

"This time we've got a manager who knows all his players and staff and that will put in us in good stead for a good start for the season."

Albion field a young side at non-league Stevenage Borough tonight before the first team visit Southend on Wednesday.

Trialists Albert Jarrett, a winger released by Milton Keynes Dons, and ex-Wycombe wide man Darren Currie are expected to be given another chance in one or both of the games.