Albion chief Steve Coppell has urged "shrinking violet" Kerry Mayo to find the confidence to score more goals.

The long-serving defender's 89th- minute winner against ten-man Derby at Withdean on Saturday was his first in the League for more than two years.

Mayo struck from a Simon Rodger corner, forcing in the rebound after his header had hit a post.

"He has got a great standing spring," said Coppell. "He's always very reticent to go up for corners and I'm always trying to push him up there, because I think he is capable of getting something.

"He really is a good player. He's a shrinking violet and if he had a bit more belief in what he is capable of doing he would go forward and onward.

"He is strong, good in the air and has a sweet left foot and he is a really big part of our campaign."

Mayo's match-winner followed a 51st-minute red card for Derby's top scorer Malcolm Christie for a second bookable offence on his comeback from injury.

Albion have now taken seven points from the last nine and are breathing down the necks of their fellow strugglers at the foot of the table.

"There's a long way to go and we're still looking up to everyone else, so until we are looking down at at least three teams then we have got a mountain to climb," Coppell said.

"At least the determination is there and we have something to build on."

Coppell is keen to strengthen his injury-hit squad, especially up front. Graham Barrett missed the match with a knee injury and has pulled out of the Republic of Ireland squad for Wednesday's trip to Greece.

Dean Blackwell was ruled out by a hamstring injury, his replacement Adam Hinshelwood dislocated a shoulder in the first half and Bobby Zamora played through Achilles and ankle injuries on his 100th League appearance for the club, plus a second-half hamstring injury.

Zamora will not now be linking up with the England under-21's for their get-together at Burnham Beeches this week.

"We have spoken to the doctor and Bobby is staying with us for treatment," Coppell said. "Graham won't go away with Ireland now. He has spoken with Don Givens and Don said he'd be better off staying here.

"There are always going to be occasions when two or three are injured and if they are in the wrong positions you really are exposed. We've still got to get another couple in to bulk it up even more."

Full match report at thisisthealbion.co.uk