Mark McGhee believes Albion's promotion chances would receive a boost if they got a crack at Queens Park Rangers in the play-offs.

The Seagulls manager watched Bristol City cut the gap on second-placed Rangers to one point by beating leaders Plymouth Argyle at Ashton Gate on Tuesday night.

Albion have lost twice to QPR this season, in the League and LDV Vans Trophy, after overcoming them at Withdean last August.

However, McGhee is convinced the Hoops would be a softer option than City, managed by former Seagull Danny Wilson, for his fifth-placed side in a two-legged semi-final.

He said: "Bristol City looked a good side. I'd be happy to see them finish second and us have a another go at QPR. If Rangers fall out of second place it might leave them traumatised. They might be more vulnerable than City who seem to be on the up."

McGhee hopes April will be lucky for him for a fourth successive year.

The Albion boss received his Nationwide Manager of the Month award from World Cup final referee Jack Taylor at the Quod Restaurant in Brighton yesterday.

He said: "It doesn't look possible as we've won one, drawn one and lost one so far, but I'd like to win the April award as well. I've managed to do that in the last three seasons while I was at Millwall. If I did it would mean we'd be in the play-offs."

Albion entertain Peterborough on Saturday followed by a trip to Ashton Gate the following Saturday.

McGhee is considering whether to offer third-year scholars Darren Budd and Mark Windsor professional contracts for next season.

He said: "Mark and Darren have been training with the first team for a month or so and I'm having a good look at them and will make a decision at the end of the season.

"I'll base my decision on recommendations from Martin Hinshelwood (director of football) and Dean Wilkins (youth manager) and from what I've seen."