Albion manager Mark McGhee has delivered a vote of confidence to Jake Robinson ahead of tonight's trip to arch rivals Crystal Palace.

McGhee is poised to keep faith with the teenage striker at Selhurst Park, despite criticising him and the rest of the forwards following Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Cardiff.

McGhee was disappointed with some aspects of Robinson's display against the Welshmen after recalling him for Colin Kazim-Richards but he is ready to give the young marksman, 19 this Sunday, another chance.

"The reason I played Jake and Leon (Knight) is that I feel Leon and Colin at the moment are both offering us the same thing," McGhee said. "Jake is the one constantly looking to get in behind defences and that is really important away from home."

The rock-bottom Seagulls are sweating on the fitness of Richard Carpenter, who made his comeback from a foot injury against Cardiff.

Carpenter was unable to train on Sunday and was rested again yesterday for more treatment. Charlie Oatway is on standby to take over both a central midfield role and the captaincy.

McGhee says big hearts are needed if Albion are to pull off a surprise first victory over Palace for 17 years and first at Selhurst Park since 1983.

"It's got to be heart first and then you hope any quality we have comes through. Heart without head will be fine, head without heart will be no use to us whatsoever.

"We don't want to go there and be beaten badly. That has got us all on edge and that's a good thing."