Albion boss Steve Coppell is ready to recall his Welsh dragon to breathe some fire back into the stuttering Seagulls.

Nathan Jones is expected to return to the team for tonight's Withdean clash against rock-bottom Chesterfield. The left-sided midfielder has missed the last three matches with a ban after a red card in the Carling Cup win at Bristol Rovers.

Jones' absence has coincided with a dip in form during which Albion have drawn at Plymouth and at home to Swindon, then lost on Saturday at Colchester.

Coppell said: "We've missed him. We cannot afford to lose players of his quality. We've certainly missed his enthusiasm. His high energy level on a game by game basis, even just in the dressing room, is second to none and that's important to us."

Chesterfield are the only side in the Second Division without a win and they have not scored for three games, but Coppell warns they should still not be under-estimated.

"With our relevant positions in the table we've got to look upon this as an opportunity to get three points, but they are not going to lay down and die.

"We were hurt by being beaten on Saturday. They were beaten at home and sometimes it's a relief to go away when you are down at the bottom.

"We are at home and we have got to take the game to the opposition. I'm not really looking for patience, I'm looking for us to play at a high tempo and try to get our noses in front."

Albion are sweating on the fitness of keeper Ben Roberts. He pulled out of training yesterday with a stiff back, so loan teenager Ross Flitney from Fulham is on stand-by for his debut. If Michel Kuipers is required he will not be recalled from his loan at Hull until the weekend.

Some fans have criticised the decision to make Roberts No. 1, but Coppell said: "Right throughout pre-season Michel was hesitant with his kicking because of the surgery he had towards the end of last season. He was saying himself he couldn't kick the ball flat out. I made the decision at the start of the season to play Ben, mainly because of that.

"I think his distribution is a little bit quicker than Michel's anyway. We started quite well and it's only the last couple of games when there has been a question mark about Ben.

"Peter Taylor came in for Michel and I've said many times reserve team football is not conducive to senior pros. Michel is a lot better off playing first team football so that when an opportunity comes he is ready for it."