Shane McFaul has emerged as a surprise candidate to solve Albion's right-back problem.

McFaul or Gary Hart will fill in for the suspended Andrew Whing against Swindon at Withdean tomorrow (Saturday).

Midfielder McFaul has made only one brief substitute appearance in the first team since arriving from University College Dublin during the January transfer window.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international has experience of playing at right-back from his time at Notts County and he was tried there for part of the match in the reserves against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

The versatile Hart, who has been used at right-back before, is back in contention after missing Tuesday's defeat at Huddersfield.

Hart has recovered from a clash of heads in training with Wes Fogden which left him groggy.

Kerry Mayo continues to deputise for the hamstrung Matt Richards at left-back and Therry Racon, borrowed from Charlton for the rest of the season, makes his debut in central midfield in place of knee victim Adam El-Abd.

Albion's injury problems could prompt a further swoop into the loan transfer market before Thursday's deadline.

Whing has calf damage, as well as his two-match ban which ends at Nottingham Forest on Monday, although he hopes to be fit for next Saturday's trip to Leeds.

The disruption will test Albion's strength in depth as they pursue a play-off place.

Boss Dean Wilkins said: "Adam (El-Abd) is a big loss for us because he's had an outstanding season, not just in one position. His versatility has been invaluable.

"From a month or six weeks ago that is 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."

Meanwhile, veteran centre-half Guy Butters, out of contention in recent weeks, has been linked with a loan return to Gillingham.