Albion reject Paul Ifill misses out tonight on a chance to shut his friends up.

Millwall's Brighton-born midfielder tore a hamstring in training six weeks ago.

It has reduced him to spectating as the Lions try to avenge last season's surprise 1-0 defeat by the Seagulls at Withdean in the Auto Windscreens Shield.

"I still live down here and I am still getting stick for that result now from my mates and a few people around town," Ifill revealed. "Hopefully the boys will put it right."

Ifill was at Albion's school of excellence as a 14-year-old. He was also a season ticket holder in the North Stand at the Goldstone, but there is no question of divided loyalties now.

"After last year I would definitely like to have played," he said. "I'll be there to support the lads, not Brighton."

Millwall are one of only two teams in the Second Division still boasting a 100 per cent record.

They followed up an opening 2-0 victory against Reading at the New Den, courtesy of a Tim Cahill double, with a 4-3 win at Notts County on Saturday.

Substitute Marc Bircham pinched the points with a last-gasp shot from 20 yards after Keith Stevens' side had surrendered a 3-1 interval lead.

Stevens said the game was "a smack on the back of the head" for his players. "We let our standards drop and that cannot continue to happen."

Front pair Paul Moody (2) and Neil Harris had Millwall in command by the break. Their partnership means Stevens could afford to let Paul Shaw go to Gillingham in the summer for £425,000.

Otherwise the squad is much the same as the one edged out by Wigan in the play-offs last season, although utility man Ricky Newman has gone to Reading and Stevens signed goalkeeper Willie Gueret on a free transfer from French club Le Mans.

Ifill, who contributed 11 goals from the right side of midfield last season, added: "We are a young side and we've had another year together now. We're one of the favourites to go up and I can't see why we won't."

For the best report, analysis and pictures from the big Withdean cup clash, see Wednesday's Argus