Albion's senior pros have been forced into a waiting game until the club's Championship future is resolved.

Contract discussions with the six most experienced players have been put on hold by the Seagulls.

Injured captain Charlie Oatway received assurances about a new deal after breaking an ankle against QPR on Boxing Day.

The others - Guy Butters, Richard Carpenter, Gary Hart, Kerry Mayo and Jason Dodd - are all out of contract at the end of the season.

Their futures will not be decided until Albion know whether they are still in the Championship or relegated to League One.

Long-serving Hart said: "There are 30-odd days until the end of the season. I've been up to see the manager and he has apologised that they cannot tell us anything yet.

"You have to ask, because I've got a family to look after and I need to know what I'm doing, but hopefully it will be resolved soon. We'll see what happens with the games first."

Hart has done his cause no harm by re-establishing himself as a regular first team starter and operating in three different roles.

Manager Mark McGhee said: "Gary, as much as anybody, has performed heroically. He's played rightback, which is a position he has proved he can have a future in.

"We know he can play out on the right and he's played up front and done a terrific job on different occasions, so he's done well."

The onus has been on the senior pros more than ever this season with so many youngsters coming through and money tight for squad strengthening.

McGhee: "I'd love to be able to say to them all today every one of them is getting a contract, because almost to a man they have been held back by our circumstances, as much as any accusation that they have held us back.

"I am continually having to almost apologise, particularly to the senior players, for not being in a position to be able to get them more help."