Paul Reid is itching to win back a first team place to help Albion to another vital result against Leicester.

The versatile Australian is pressing for an immediate recall to the starting line-up in Saturday's relegation showdown at Withdean.

Manager Mark McGhee revealed in The Argus yesterday that Reid or Kerry Mayo will take over at leftback from teenager Joel Lynch.

Reid, on the bench at Coventry last Saturday after a spell as a right-sided midfielder and on target against Leicester last season, said: "I want to get back in as soon as possible. If it's playing at leftback I am more than happy to do that.

"I have played there a number of times this season. It's not my preferred position but if the gaffer wants me to do a job there I am more than happy to.

"He let me know on Friday I wouldn't be playing at Coventry. It was a bit of a surprise but he had his reasons.

"He wanted to change things around by putting Seb Carole back on the right and trying something else up front with Jake Robinson. He did say I was very unlucky to be left out."

Reid's late equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Leicester at Withdean last April ended a run of six straight defeats and proved vital in the battle to beat the drop.

It launched an unbeaten five-match finish which kept the Seagulls up by a point. Now Reid is hoping another crucial visit by the Foxes will spark a similar upturn in results.

"It was nice to score a goal and that did stop the rot," Reid said. "We are not looking for the draw this time, we have definitely got to go for the three points to keep in touch with the teams above us, especially Leicester."

Reid is hoping hamstring trouble will continue to keep fellow Aussie Danny Tiatto out of the Leicester line-up.

The Foxes' abrasive skipper was booked for a foul on Reid in the 0-0 draw at The Walkers Stadium in September.

"I think they will miss him," Reid said. "All Australians know him as being a hard man. He is quite a physical player and he will be missed for his sheer presence."