Albion manager Mark McGhee today defended red card victim Dan Harding and predicted the youngster will bounce back.

Harding was sent-off for two bookable offences in swift succession in the first half of last night's 2-0 defeat by Plymouth Argyle at Withdean.

The young leftback had already been cautioned for a foul on Lee Hodges when referee Andy Hall ruled he pushed Marino Keith over inside the Seagulls' area.

Paul Wotton scored from the spot to clinch a comprehensive victory for Argyle after an unfortunate own goal by Albion captain Danny Cullip.

McGhee said: "His first challenge was a bit rash, but I thought the penalty was very hard.

"It's a harsh lesson for Dan. He misses a game right away, so he has got time to have a look at the game on Saturday and draw breath, then start again when he is free from suspension.

"These boys showed in the play-offs last season that they have character. They have got to learn fast and they will."

Harding misses the weekend visit by Coventry following a change to the disciplinary system for red cards. Players now miss the next game instead of after a 14-day delay.

Cullip also felt hard done by after a linesman flagged to indicate his tenth minute header against a post had crossed the line.

"How the linesman could see it had gone in I don't know," said the Seagulls' skipper. "There were a lot of bodies in front of him."