Albion boss Steve Coppell insists his squad can still escape relegation.

The Seagulls were four points behind Stoke with three games to playing going into today's do-or-die showdown against fellow strugglers Sheffield Wednesday at Withdean.

It follows Saturday's 2-0 defeat by promoted table-toppers Leicester at the Walkers Stadium and Stoke's 2-1 home win over Wimbledon.

Coppell said: "In many ways Leicester was a giveaway game. Realistically our season is still going to be defined by what happens in the next three games. They are not necessarily must win games, but it would help.

"It would be the easiest thing in the world to put our chins on the floor and say 'isn't life cruel', but we are looking forward to the next three.

"I go back to my days at Palace. With two weeks to go we were, I think, eight points ahead of Oldham and Oldham stayed up and we went down, so it's never over until it's over."

Leicester manager Micky Adams is adamant a hat-trick of victories will secure survival for his old club.

The former Albion boss said: "They've got Sheffield Wednesday at home, Watford at home and Grimsby away. Forty nine points will keep them up."

Adams did not want to clinch promotion at Albion's expense.

He made a point of shaking hands with the players at the final whistle and then going over to applaud the 2,000 Seagulls supporters before joining in Leicester's celebrations.

"It was ironic," he said. "That is why I was so disappointed Forest didn't do us a favour in midweek.

"Part of me will always be Brighton, because I've shared special memories down there. They are my lads.

"Seven of the team were in the Third Division two seasons ago and I am so pleased for them to be on this stage."

Sheffield Wednesday are a point adrift of Albion after Saturday's goalless home draw against rock-bottom Grimsby.

The Seagulls have no fresh injury worries following a light training session at Withdean yesterday, but Coppell's backroom team have been hit by a double illness blow.

Reserve team coach Dean White collapsed during the session and was rushed to hospital after vomiting and feeling dizzy.

Assistant manager Bob Booker missed the Leicester match with gastric flu.