Albion manager Mark McGhee today set his team a target of at least eight points from the next five matches to stay out of relegation trouble.

The Seagulls have eight points from nine games so far in the Coca-Cola Championship and McGhee wants them to double their tally in the crucial period ahead against a cluster of fellow strugglers.

Saturday's trip to Gillingham is followed by another away game at Nottingham Forest next Wednesday.

Albion host Sheffield United three days later, then have a break of a fortnight for international fixtures before facing Crewe away and Cardiff at home in the space of four days.

Each of the next five opponents are in the wrong half of the table, including three of the bottom four. McGhee believes it is an ideal opportunity for the Seagulls to ease themselves away from the danger zone.

"Out of those five games we need to double our tally, a minimum of eight points to keep ourselves out of the mire," he said.

"We should be looking at trying to win three of them. That is easier said than done, of course, but that has to be our target."

Goalkeeper Ben Roberts, missing since the start of the season with a back problem, could soon be back in contention but colitis victim John Piercy is still some way off being back in first team contention.

"The nerve we think has been causing the problem for Ben has been neutralised and he should now get better," McGhee said.

"It's a shame for John. He is getting a lot better as well, but he has still got to be given permission by the specialist to come back."