JASON STEELE is battling to be involved in Albion's FA Cup run again after a bad break.
The keeper hopes to be available for the Seagulls' quarter-final at Millwall on March 17 (2pm).
Steele broke a wrist in training in the run-up to the fourth round tie at home to West Brom.
That was scheduled to be his second appearance for the club following an accomplished debut in the third round win at Bournemouth.
David Button was in goal for both games against West Brom and last Saturday's fifth round win against Derby County at the Amex.
Former England under-21 Steele, signed from Sunderland in the summer, is third choice behind Button and No.1 Mathew Ryan.
Ryan was on Asian Cup duty for Australia in the United Arab Emirates for the Bournemouth tie and the first match against West Brom.
Manager Chris Hughton would have rested Ryan regardless, as he normally uses the back-up goalkeepers in the FA Cup.
If Hughton maintains his stance then Button will be between the posts at The Den next month and Steele on the bench if fit.
Albion do not play again after the Millwall tie until the visit of fellow strugglers Southampton on March 30.
They faced a similar scenario last season, when No.2 Tim Krul was in goal for the quarter-final defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford and No.3 Niki Maenpaa on the bench prior to a fortnight's break for internationals.
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