Leon Knight's main rival as Albion's player of the season claimed today it would be a "travesty" if the little striker does not win the award.

Guy Butters believes supporters should look no further than Knight, whose 25 League goals have spearheaded the Seagulls' play-off challenge.

Butters has emerged as a serious contender. The consistent 34-year-old has not missed a match in the centre of defence since regaining a first team place at the end of August.

"As far as player of the year is concerned, I think it is a travesty if Leon doesn't get it for all the goals he has scored," Butters said. "He has done really well.

"My mind is not on anything like that at all. Every game I am just trying to keep my place."

Manager Mark McGhee believes supporters have got the voting right. "For me it is a toss-up between Guy, because of the commitment he has shown to get himself right, and Leon who scores the goals," he said.

"As a striker I can never see much further than the centre forward who scores the goals. However, you also have to look at other people's contributions in terms of their past at the club.

"Guy Butters has to come into the reckoning. He has been fantastic. When I came here there was a big question mark over him.

"It could have gone one way or the other, but he has made sure it has gone the right way by committing himself to make sure he is in the right shape and by the way he has played."

The winner of the fans' poll will be announced at Saturday's last home game of the League campaign against Notts County.