Albion rookies Shaun Wilkinson and Daniel Marney are on a mission to emulate Adam Virgo.

The 18-year-old Virgo has been applauded by boss Micky Adams for his performances at the heart of the defence.

Now midfielder Wilkinson and striker Marney, both 19, hope to follow him into the first team next season after earning one-year professional contracts.

Wilkinson knows the competition is tough in the centre of the park, but the former Southampton and Portsmouth youngster regards the example set by Virgo as an inspiration.

"He has been different class," Wilkinson said. "He hasn't looked out of place at all.

"What Adam has achieved is a good incentive for me. I've had a taste of the first team and I want some more.

"We have just signed Martin Thomas, Charlie Oatway has just come back and Steve Melton is doing well. I have just got to crack on, play for the reserves and see if I can get in."

Wilkinson, now recovered from suspected appendicitis which turned out to be food poisoning, made his first team debut as a substitute at Swansea last season.

He came off the bench for the home match against Plymouth 14 months ago but then had to wait until the recent Withdean win against Barnet for his next chance.

Youth team coach Dean Wilkins said: "Shaun is an aggressive player and he deserved to get a year.

"The gaffer showed a couple of weeks ago that he is prepared to use him. The thing I try to stress to the younger players is the mental side of the game. There is a lot of ability, even in the County League, but it is whether you can cope mentally.

"Adam Virgo has gone in and shown the mental capability of a player who has played three or four hundred games. He seems to thrive on pressure. In Shaun's case he has the ability, now can he cope with the situation when given the chance?

"He would be the first to admit that he did well last season when he came on at Swansea, then when he got his chance at Withdean he was just too nervous. It has taken him a long time to get the opportunity again."

Marney, formerly with Crystal Palace, has been dogged by injuries this season which left him wondering whether he would be kept on.

"It started with an operation on my knee, then a groin and thigh," he explained.

"Then I had a problem with my ankles, so it has been difficult for me to get back to full fitness and get some games under my belt.

"It was one of my fears that injuries would stop me getting a contract, so it was really a pleasant surprise when I was told.

"The target now is to force my way in. I was in the squad at Mansfield last season, but that was called off, then I was on the bench for a few games."

Marney, a fan of Dwight Yorke and Harry Kewell, has a scorer and a stopper to look up to.

"Bobby Zamora is an inspiration to me," he said. "It is a good target to set yourself to try to reach his standard. Adam Virgo has been doing well and good luck to him.

"I've had three hard years working to get a pro contract and with that behind me I've got more hard work now trying to get into the first team."

Wilkins said: "Danny has been very unlucky with injuries, but he has enormous potential.

"He's got pace, he turns well, he is positive, aggressive in his movement and his play on the ball so he has got a lot going for him.

"But again he is one that worries about his game too much at times. If he can learn to relax a little bit more he can be a real asset for the club."