Albion are sweating on the availability of captain Danny Cullip for the relegation run-in after creeping back out of the drop zone.

Cullip went off in the first half of last night's goalless home draw against ten-man Crystal Palace with a hamstring injury as the Seagulls moved back above Grimsby and Stoke on goal difference.

Boss Steve Coppell revealed: "He pulled something and we will have to wait and see in the next 24 hours.

"I know the skipper will be doing everything humanly possible to get himself fit as quickly as possible."

Coppell, already without goal ace Bobby Zamora because of a hamstring injury, watched his current club batter his old one.

Palace had defender Danny Granville sent off midway through the second half but Albion failed to take their chances.

Coppell said: "We had some good opportunities but I was really pleased with our performance in terms of chances created and the way we played.

"We deserved the three points, but that's the way it goes. On another day we could have scored a few goals. I can't ask any more of my players.

"It takes us up the division a little more and with six games to go there is all to play for. It's important to be out of the bottom three at this stage.

"Goal difference could be a crucial factor and we have that edge at the moment."

Graham Barrett almost ended his five-month goal famine with a first half chip which hit the upright.

"It was just one of those games," Barrett said.

"The ball just wouldn't go in. From a positive point of view we really played well and it hopefully sets us up for the rest of the season.

"I was a bit disappointed that chip didn't go in but hopefully if we keep on going we will get the bit of luck that will keep us up. We are definitely good enough to stay in the First Division."

Barrett had the consolation of discovering his promotion from the Republic of Ireland under-21s to the full squad for Saturday's European Championship qualifier in Georgia.

"I didn't even know," he said. "I'm delighted, it's a dream come true again."

Palace chief Trevor Francis is backing Albion to survive. "I have to pay my compliments to the home side," he said. "They played very well.

"On the evidence of their recent home form they have got an excellent chance of staying up.

"What was missing for them was a clinical finisher. They are important to any manager and Steve needs Bobby Zamora back as soon as possible."