Albion goal hero Charlie Oatway has slammed Guy Butters' critics and hailed his travelling partner as the "ultimate professional".

Centre half Butters made his first appearance for ten months in yesterday's 2-0 victory for the injury-hit Seagulls against Luton at Withdean.

The former Gillingham and Portsmouth stopper was ridiculed last month when he was put up for auction on an internet web site.

A national tabloid newspaper picked up on the story, to the disgust of the Albion players.

Oatway said: "These people have never been fans of any football club.

"They hide behind computers and say what they like and it is such a shame.

"I travel in with Guy. He has got a family and he was so upset about it. His kids went to school and got a little bit of stick over it. It broke all of our hearts.

"I said to him ten minutes before the game he had nothing to prove to any of those people.

"He hasn't had a day off since he has been at the club. He has worked hard to try and get into the side and he has come in and done a magnificent job.

"Nobody wants to pat him on the back more than me and I am sure the gaffer has done that as well. Guy has just got on with it. He is the ultimate professional."

Boss Steve Coppell said: "I thought Guy was the right man for the job and he was terrific.

"It has been disappointing for him not to be part of things, but he is a good professional."

Oatway, deputising as captain for the hamstrung Danny Cullip, clinched victory with an 85th-minute volley through the fingers of teenage keeper Rob Beckwith after Darius Henderson's first half shot had been deflected in by defender Chris Coyne.

Luton had centre forward Steve Howard and manager Mike Newell sent-off in the second half, Howard for foul and abusive language to a linesman and Newell for leaving the technical area.

Oatway replaced Simon Rodger (groin) in midfield. Robbie Pethick also started in a depleted back four, with Paul Watson ruled out by sore foot arches.

"The players coming in didn't so much have a point to prove, but you want to do well to make sure you are in contention for the next game," Oatway said.

"We have given the gaffer a nice headache."

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