Albion forward Graham Barrett has pledged to put recent history with Preston behind him in the quest for three more precious points at Withdean on Saturday.

The Irishman on loan from Arsenal came close to making a permanent switch to Preston in January on a three and a half year contract.

The deal collapsed, with Preston chairman Derek Shaw accusing Barrett's agent of pricing him out of the move.

"I just want to forget about what went on," Barrett said. "There's an edge there because we need three points.

"As I've said before, it's not a time for egos but for getting three points for Brighton to help us stay up. That is the only thing I will be thinking about.

"The gaffer said before the Forest game that the next five after that would say a lot and we've got two wins, two draws and a loss since then.

"It has set us up now for the last five games. We've given ourselves a helluva chance. Hopefully we can take it."

The break since last Friday's victory at Reading has given Barrett time to recover from his international exertions with the Republic of Ireland.

He was in Georgia with the full squad, then Albania with the under-21s before featuring on the right wing at Reading.

Barrett, with one goal in 26 appearances for the Seagulls against Sheffield United in October, said: "It would be nice to play that system at home, two wingers and a front man. Because we were away we didn't really get to get forward much.

"I have played all over the place in my career, the right, the left, the centre. I've even played in the centre of midfield, so it's no problem.

"I don't mind where I play if I'm in the team. I feel I'm playing well and I am sure I'm going to score a few goals before the end of the season."

Barrett is likely to get his wish. Boss Steve Coppell is poised to continue with a 4-3-3 formation, as Dean Blackwell is struggling to recover from an ankle injury.

Albion dropped back into the relegation zone last night as Stoke won their game in hand 2-0 at home to ten-man Rotherham.

First half goals by on-loan Bolton midfielder Paul Warhurst and Andy Cooke took Stoke a point above the Seagulls.

Rotherham had John Mullin sent-off in the second half.