Brighton and Hove Albion have been warned to beware of the big under-achievers in the Second Division.

Saturday's hosts Wigan have been in the play-offs in each of the last three seasons.

They have struggled so far this term but last Saturday's 2-2 draw away to one of the Seagulls' promotion rivals Bristol City lifted Paul Jewell's team to within nine points of a play-off repeat.

Albion boss Peter Taylor said: "Wigan should be in a higher position than they are and I am sure Paul Jewell would agree with me.

"They have got very good players. On the ball they are as good as any team we are going to play against in the Second Division.

"They have got some really good footballers. Why they are not higher up the table I don't know, although they have drawn a lot of matches."

Taylor is acutely aware of the danger Wigan pose to Albion's promotion challenge. Two seasons ago his Gillingham side came from 2-1 down in extra time in the play-off final against the Latics at Wembley before recovering for a dramatic 3-2 victory.

Wigan have also pulled off the result of the season so far, a 6-1 thrashing of current leaders Stoke at the JJB Stadium.

"That was absolutely incredible, but that is what they are capable of doing," Taylor said. "I have seen them play in two games, at Reading and Bristol City, and they could have won both.

"They certainly had more possession and looked a better team than Reading and Bristol City, so that just shows you the test that we have got."

Jewell hopes to strengthen his squad by signing Mansfield's highly rated striker Chris Greenacre.

Greenacre scored in Mansfield's 2-1 exit from the FA Cup against Taylor's old club Leicester at Filbert Street last Saturday, which was swiftly followed by the departure of Stags boss Billy Dearden to Notts County.

Jewell revealed: "We made an offer for Chris Greenacre three weeks ago, but they turned it down.

"They wanted to keep him for their FA Cup match and we made an offer which we think is more than fair but I've heard nothing since."

Taylor has decided against giving Gary Hart a run-out in the Reserves' first proper match since the end of November against Luton at Worthing tonight (7.0). Hart has missed the last three games with a badly bruised leg.

Taylor was at Southend, another of his former clubs, last night for the FA Cup tie against Tranmere.