Gary Hart has earned himself a new nickname after helping patch up the Albion defence.

A week after coming on as first option up front, the testimonial man found himself at right-back against Swindon in a game which bordered on the must-win variety after the midweek defeat at Huddersfield.

It was his first start since the final day of last season and one which he grabbed with both hands as the Seagulls scored another come-from-behind win.

Skipper Nicky Forster was among those who will have enjoyed Hart's efforts as Albion, with Adam El-Abd and Paul Reid injured and Andrew Whing both suspended and injured, ran out of right-backs.

Hart revealed: "Right-back isn't ideal for me but I've got a new nickname now.

"Fozzy calls me Polyfilla. Any hole in the team, I can fill it.

"I said at the start of the season I wanted to concentrate on being a forward but it's nice for the gaffer to think he can put faith in me.

"Even going back to the Micky Adams days, I used to play in different places.

"Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad.

"Sometimes you need to have a stable position you can fight for.

"The only problem with being a utility player is if you've got someone who is better in that position you can get left on the bench.

"I enjoyed it, though, that's all that counts. I got on and I didn't disappoint myself."

That was important because, a week earlier, Hart had a chance to shine as substitute striker but produced a weak attempt in a one-on-one against Doncaster.

He looked off the pace and it later transpired he was coming down with a virus which ruled him out of the Huddersfield trip.

That played on his mind in the reasonably short space of time he had to think about starting against Swindon.

He admitted: "I was a bit worried and apprehensive. Would it happen again? But I felt full of energy and it was good."

Energectic enough to tackle livewire Anthony McNamee, who was looking to raid down Hart's side of the pitch.

"You don't need him do you," the Seagulls veteran said with a laugh.

"I've been playing ten years and you don't need him running at me.

"I dealt with him quite well. He got in a few crosses but the gaffer said if you can limit him to maybe five or six crosses in the game that will do us' and I think I did.

"I had a little inkling I'd be playing. The gaffer said they weren't sure and they had a think about it and, I think because I had played there before, they chose me and I was delighted."

So he filled a gap. But there was a bit more to it than that.

You would have to be a D-i-Y fanatic to get attached to a bit of Polyfilla but the fans love Hart for the way he plays and the contribution he has made down the years.

So what now for the striker turned midfielder and defender turned squad man?

"I'm here at the moment," he said. "A week is a long time in football. Every team needs a squad.

"I've been restricted as everybody knows and it's just nice that the gaffer can rely on me. I hope I've done well for him."