Albion manager Mark McGhee revealed today that Paul Reid has strengthened his prospects of earning a contract next season.

The young Australian midfielder made his first start for the play-off bound Seagulls in Saturday's 1-0 home win against Peterborough.

Reid joined Albion from Bradford last month on a free transfer until the end of the season.

McGhee said: "I thought it was a satisfactory debut. He could have got himself a goal, but generally speaking it was encouraging.

"We saw him get into attacking positions. He passed the ball well and coped well enough with defending. He has given himself every chance. He showed he can cope at Second Division level.

"What we are looking at closely is whether he would be able to cope in the First Division if we get there, so we have got a bit more to learn about him, but he has done himself no harm whatsoever."

Reid, 24, named man of the match by the sponsors, said: "I've told people that I can play a lot better. They were saying I played really well, but I didn't think I played to my potential."

Albion need five points from their three remaining matches to be certain of a play-off place, beginning with Saturday's visit to McGhee's first club Bristol City, who are third and still pursuing automatic promotion.

"I think one more win will end up being enough, but we cannot be complacent," McGhee said.

"We have a really difficult game against Bristol City, which could be a dress reherasal for the play-offs, so we have got to stay focused."