Richard Carpenter is back in contention for Peter Taylor's first away match in charge of Albion.

The midfielder resumed training yesterday after missing Saturday's 3-0 home win over Oldham through illness.

He could come straight back into the team if Charlie Oatway is unfit for tonight's trip to struggling Notts County.

Oatway may have to wait to make the 250th League appearance of his career. He is still rated doubtful by Taylor after hamstring trouble forced him off in the first half against Oldham.

Oatway's replacement on Saturday Geoff Pitcher is also in the frame as the second-placed Seagulls seek a win which would take them back to the top of the table if Brentford fail to beat Bury at home.

Taylor is delighted with what we has seen so far. "I've always looked at it as a job like the one I had at Gillingham," he said. "The players are a very together group and they can all handle the ball. I know I am going to enjoy working with them.

"The welcome I received and atmosphere were terrific on Saturday and the lads helped that by going 3-0 up so quickly."

County, regarded by many as dark horses for promotion at the start of the season, are already 13 points adrift of Albion in 18th spot and they axed manager Jocky Scott two weeks ago.

Taylor is particularly aware of the threat posed by Danny Allsopp, currently joint second in the Division Two scoring chart with 11 goals.

The Aussie striker was on target on Taylor's last visit to Meadow Lane, a 1-1 draw with Gillingham two years ago.

"They are maybe conceding too many goals, but they are a team with a lot of good forwards," Taylor warned.

"You have to be careful of players like Darren Caskey and Allsopp. I nearly signed him from Manchester City when I was at Gillingham as part of the Bob Taylor deal."

Albion captain Paul Rogers said: "We just want to keep things going. It would be nice if we play anything like we did in our last away game at Huddersfield."

Taylor has ruled out an immediate move for the likes of midfielder Junior Lewis, who was with him at Dover, Gillingham and Leicester.

"I am not even thinking about what players I could bring in," he said. "I want to make sure I have a good look at the players already here and I have assured them all they will be given a chance."