Albion defender Adam Virgo is planning talks with manager Mark McGhee about his future after a nightmare year in which he has dropped right out of the first team reckoning.

The new reserve team captain featured under Micky Adams, Peter Taylor and Martin Hinshelwood, but he has not been involved since Steve Coppell's first match in charge against Sheffield United 14 months ago.

"I haven't really spoken to the new gaffer yet, but I want to talk to him this week," Virgo said.

"My contract is up at the end of the season and I will keep training hard. If it doesn't work out I know I can move on to another club.

"Steve Coppell coming along didn't really help my case. He completely dropped me from the squad after one game without even talking to me about it.

"My face didn't fit and I went on loan to Exeter. I know he did well for the club and other players, but from a personal point of view I was happy to see him go."

Virgo's hopes of impressing McGhee have been hit by an unfortunate red card in the reserves against QPR last week.

He was sent off, together with Rangers' strikers Paul Furlong and Richard Pacquette, after a fracas in which punches were thrown.

The Brighton-born central defender, 21 next month, insists he was innocent. "During the game they were just being quite mouthy and giving us elbows and digs off the ball.

"In the second half Adam Hinshelwood got a whack from Furlong. I pushed him and the next thing I knew he hit me in the face.

"I don't really know what happened after that. I think someone did lash out at one of their players, but it wasn't me."

Virgo will be available to lead the reserves in their next competitive fixture at Eastbourne Town in the Senior Cup on January 14.

"That is not really any consolation," he said. "It is a bit harsh being sent-off for something you haven't done."