Albion's reigning player of the season Danny Cullip could be forced to sit out a clash with one of his biggest admirers.

The influential central defender is available for Saturday's trip to Cheltenham after completing a three-match ban.

Andy Crosby and Matt Wicks have performed well together in Cullip's absence and boss Micky Adams has hinted they will continue their partnership at Whaddon Road.

"I think they have got better as they have gone on," said Adams. "We have only conceded one goal in three games.

"It won't be a difficult decision for me to make. That's what I am paid for."

Cheltenham were rivals for Cullip's signature before his £50,000 move from Brentford 16 months ago.

Albion beat promotion rivals Cardiff 1-0 at Withdean last Saturday without Cullip and the suspended Nathan Jones, both of whom play in a reserve team friendly at Littlehampton tonight.

Wicks said: "That just shows the strength in depth we have. If you are going to get into the Second Division you need a good squad of players.

"Psychologically it was a massive result for us to stay second and go five points clear of Cardiff."

Cardiff are still five points adrift of Albion and have now played a game more after losing 1-0 at Blackpool last night.

There was a further boost for the Seagulls when fifth-placed Rochdale were held 0-0 at Scunthorpe.

They are now eight points behind Albion with a match in hand.

Tonight's reserve friendly replaces the postponed Combination League visit to Gillingham, which was due to take place this afternoon.

Albion Reserves: Kuipers; Davis, Jones, Cullip, Virgo, Hart, Melton, Johnson, Thomas, Ramsay, Steele.