Albion under-19s will have to grow up quickly in the absence of Adam Hinshelwood and Daniel Harding.

That is the view of Seagulls youth boss Dean Wilkins.

The under-19s kick off their home fixtures in the Youth Alliance against Colchester at Ardingly College on Saturday (11am) without Hinshelwood and Harding, who are likely to be included in the first team squad at Wimbledon.

Defensive pair Hinshelwood and Harding were on Division One duty against Norwich on Saturday when Wilkins' injury-hit side lost 3-1 at QPR in the opening game of the season.

Wilkins said: "We've got a very young side. All the back four against QPR were under-17s. It is very hard coming in at that level and physically it is difficult to adapt.

"It means they have to grow up very quickly but it is a great opportunity for them."

Without Hinshelwood and Harding, plus injured Mark Windsor and Darren Budd, Albion then lost experienced Nicky Bridle after 20 minutes with an ankle injury against Rangers.

Wilkins said: "We worked on the back four but they seemed to have forgotten everything in the first 25 minutes. There was a lack of concentration and inconsistency.

"But I believe they will show how much they have learned from that experience against Colchester on Saturday."

Phil Bartholomew equalised against Rangers who made it 3-1 with a last-minute penalty.

Wilkins said: "Despite everything, I think we deserved a draw."

Alhassan Kamara, (2) and Jake Robinson scored as Albion began their Youth Alliance season with a 3-0 victory against Luton at the University of Sussex.

A combined Albion under-15s and under-16s team will take on an American Olympic training squad at Christ's Hospital, Horsham, tomorrow, kick-off: 1pm.