Albion could still re-sign Stephen Ward, despite a surprise appearance for his parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Wolves boss Kenny Jackett has reiterated Ward’s future is away from Molineux after he played a full 90 minutes in Tuesday night’s 1-0 win at Oxford United.

Albion’s interest in signing the Republic of Ireland left-back permanently following his loan spell at the Amex last season has been undermined for financial reasons.

Wolves want around £100,000 for Ward but the main stumbling block has been his £13,000-a-week wages. The Seagulls paid £10,000-a-week in the loan deal.

Jackett said: “He’s looking for his next move – we all know that – and he had a successful last season.

“To get some match fitness and show a good attitude on Tuesday night will only help him in whatever he wants to do next.

“I don’t know if there was anyone there to watch him, that wasn’t the reason why I played him.

“If I hadn’t have played him, it would have left the team too young against Oxford, who are a good side and a big club.”

Youngster Adam Chicksen continues at left-back in Albion’s final pre-season friendly at home to Southampton tonight.

Midfielder Andrew Crofts makes his first appearance at the Amex since rupturing a knee ligament against Birmingham in January after playing part of the last two friendlies at Peterborough and Crawley.