Albion boss Dean Wilkins is backing his latest French acquisition to fill the midfield hole created by the long-term loss of Adam El-Abd.

Therry Racon goes straight into the side against Swindon at Withdean tomorrow after signing on loan from Charlton for the rest of the season, including the play-offs if necessary.

The 23-year-old former Marseille and Guingamp player's arrival from The Valley has been hastened by the medial knee ligament damage suffered by El-Abd at Huddersfield on Tuesday, which will keep him out for up to six weeks.

Wilkins revealed: "We have been aware of Therry for a little while. He was on the list of players we have kept tabs on.

"After what happened on Tuesday we've had to act quickly. Charlton paid a considerable sum for him (around £430,000), so they clearly rate him highly but want him to get some games under his belt, so we are very pleased to have him.

"He defends on his feet and steps across people, which is a quality a lot of French players have and which we saw Alexis Bertin do when he was here.

"He is also very sharp on the ball and keeps things moving. He can go forward or hold so, he is a bit of an all-rounder."

Racon turned down several other League One clubs and the chance to stay in the Championship to join Albion's challenge for a play-off place.

He said: "I think it is a good move for me because I haven't been playing at Charlton. I want to play a lot of games for Brighton, maybe in the play-offs as well.

"Four clubs in League One and some from the Championship were interested but the manager here wants me and I like the style of the team. They try to pass and move and that is good for me, which is why I chose Brighton.

"Having another Frenchman here, David Martot, will help me adapt as well."

Kerry Mayo continues to deputise for Matt Richards (hamstring) at left-back tomorrow but the real headache for Wilkins is who will fill in at right-back, with Andrew Whing starting a two-match suspension.

El-Abd was the obvious candidte but the job is likely to go now to Tommy Fraser, in preference to Wes Fogden.

Wilkins admitted: "Adam is a big loss for us because he's had an outstanding season, not just in one position. His versatility has been invaluable and we are going to miss that.

"From a month or six weeks ago we have had three of the back four missing but Kerry stepped in against Doncaster and did a super job and he did well the other night.

"Joel (Lynch) has come in and looked back to something like his best. We have to be able to adapt."

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