Albion boss Micky Adams is seeking goalkeeping cover for Michel Kuipers.

Adams has a high regard for Kuipers' present understudy Will Packham. But he does not believe the youngster is ready yet for the Second Division.

Kuipers and Packham are the only keepers in Albion's senior squad following Mark Cartwright's departure to Shrewsbury.

"There was nobody on the free list that really struck me but I will be pursuing a goalkeeper," Adams revealed.

"Whether it happens before the start of the season will be dependent on Michel.

"If he gets injured then I would have to make a move more quickly.

"Will is progressing but you have to be patient with young goalkeepers.

"I don't want to discard a young goalkeeper who looks like he might do something but if you are asking me whether he is ready for the rigours of the Second Division I would have to say no.

"Having said that, you don't find out until you throw them into the fire and I have shown before that I am not afraid to put youngsters in."

Dutchman Kuipers won the battle to be No. 1 during the Seagulls' Third Division title triumph.

His impressive contribution was rewarded by a new two-year contract, while Cartwright was eventually transfer-listed then released at the end of last season.

Packham, 20, made his first team debut as a substitute in the penultimate fixture at Halifax and has been given a new one-year deal.

Adams is pursuing a replacement for Mike Kelly, who helped coach the Albion shot-stoppers last season.

Kelly, England's goalkeeping coach during the reign of Terry Venables, is currently working in China.

Meanwhile, Albion are playing cricket against Sussex as part of their centenary celebrations.

The Seagulls face the Sharks at Henfield Cricket Club on Sunday August 12, the day after Albion's opening Second Division fixture at Cambridge.