Albion manager Mark McGhee is stepping up his search for a leftback to replace the sidelined Kerry Mayo.

McGhee wanted cover and competition for Mayo even before the long-serving defender suffered a calf injury which ruled him out of Saturday's 2-2 home draw with Crewe and is expected to keep him out for three weeks.

Now the hunt will intensify and McGhee is also still after another centre half for a new-look defence which has leaked five goals in the first three games.

The Seagulls go to Hull on Saturday following a hectic start to the Championship season of three matches in eight days.

"It gives me time to maybe find one or two more players," McGhee said. "We will be out there looking. I'm desperate to try to find a leftback."

Paul Reid stood in for Mayo against Crewe. French winger Sebastien Carole made an encouraging debut in Reid's previous position on the right flank, the former Monaco player eventually giving way in the second half to Alexis Nicolas.

"I thought he was excellent," McGhee said. "He's a good footballer and I believe he will get better and better for us."

McGhee also praised the performance of Leon Knight, who was switched from the forward line to the centre of midfield.

Knight's first goal for seven months was cancelled out by headers in the last 13 minutes for unbeaten Crewe by substitutes Mark Rivers and Michael Higdon before Dean Hammond saved the Seagulls in the closing stages with his second goal in three games.

"Leon is as good a footballer as we have in the squad," said McGhee. "We felt as if he could create, as well as do a good job in midfield. I thought he was absolutely terrific."