Mikey Harris mixed club and country duty as he caught up with Albion prospects on their travels.

The interim boss met up with Katie Robinson and Poppy Pattinson while they were with England under-23s in Spain.

He was delighted to see them play for their country, with Pattinson ending up as captain.

But there was also chance for some club discussion during his flying visit.

Harris said: “It was brilliant to see the players represent their country, to watch them live like that.

“It also gave me the opportunity to catch up with them after the game and I guess debrief the game and also talk about how the last few weeks have been.

“I am big on asking the players for feedback as well, how they found things.

“They are two players who I respect highly and I value their views.

“It was nice to take some time, out of the context of the training ground, to have some conversation.”

Maisie Symonds withdrew from the squad with a back problem which also rules her out of tomorrow’s trip to Bristol City, although she is responding well to treatment.

Defeat at Ashton Gate would see the hosts, who currently occupy the only WSL relegation place, cut the gap on Albion to two points.

An Elisabeth Terland goal deep in added time saw the Seagulls win the home fixture 3-2 and Harris said he does not see the return match as season-defining.

He added: “We have got eight games left and a lot of points to play for.

“From my perspective, we are looking to finish the season as high as we possibly can and I am hoping a positive performance and a positive result will contribute to that.”

Pattinson starts a three-game ban after a retrospective red card following the game at home to Liverpool