Albion manager Mark McGhee today targeted a morale-boosting first win of the season against Bristol Rovers in the Carling Cup.

McGhee knows victory in tomorrow night's first round tie at Withdean is important for confidence after Saturday's 3-0 defeat at leaders Wigan, which leaves the Seagulls still rooted to the foot of the Coca-Cola Championship.

He said: "If we beat Bristol we will still only have one point in the League but, from a confidence point of view, I would like the players to show they have moved on from being that sort of level of team to maybe a team not quite at First Division level yet.

"I have warned them already it is going to be a difficult game. They are in good form but I expect us to win it."

Veteran central defender Guy Butters admitted: "We want to get a win under our belts as soon as possible, so fingers crossed it will be in the Cup on Tuesday.

"We will be going all out to win that game and if that kick-starts our season then fair enough, but we are not going to panic.

"We just mustn't let the gap get too big. We have got a couple of home games coming up now and hopefully we can turn them into positive results."

Two-goal Nathan Ellington and Per Frandsen condemned Albion to a third League defeat out of four, but McGhee took comfort from aspects of Albion's performance.

Dan Harding stood out following his debut last week for England under-21s.