Michel Kuipers launched his bid to regain the No. 1 spot for Albion with a 45-minute comeback in the Reserves last night.

The big Dutchman played the first half of a 0-0 draw against Luton in the Pontin's Holidays Combination Cup at Worthing.

It was Kuipers' first appearance since a serious shoulder injury against Nottingham Forest at Withdean in January, which required two operations.

Kuipers said: "It's a great step in the direction of being 100 per cent fit for the first team. I am in training every day now with the squad. This was my first taste of competitive football and I really enjoyed it.

"I felt really confident. I have been working for months to come back and the first game back is always a special feeling."

Kuipers, given his chance in the absence of virus victim Alan Blayney, was not tested too often by the visitors.

He looked accomplished when they did threaten, punching clear a free-kick and holding a 20-yard shot from Rowan Vine above shoulder height.

Kuipers' second half replacement Florent Chaigneau had more to do. The giant Frenchman on a year-long loan from Rennes made fine saves from Vine's free-kick and a shot by Stephen O'Leary.

Dean Cox almost won it for Albion in the closing stages with a 30-yard drive narrowly wide.

The Seagulls' young centre halves Gary Elphick and Joel Lynch performed with promise against former Portsmouth striker Vine and Enoch Showunmi, who scored against Albion's first team a couple of seasons ago.

Meanwhile, current Albion No. 1 Wayne Henderson starred in a 0-0 draw for the Republic of Ireland under-21s against Switzerland in Dublin last night.

Albion Reserves: Kuipers; El-Abd, Elphick, Lynch, Rents; Cox, Breach, Nicolas, Frutos; Turienzo, Robinson. Subs: Fraser for Breach (withdrawn 56), Chaigneau for Kuipers (withdrawn 46), Carey, Gatting.