Dean Cox admits he is loving the freedom granted him as part of Albion’s survival battle.

But don’t expect to draw him on whether he prefers that deep-lying attacking role, at the forward point of the diamond, which has been his in the first half of recent matches.

Seagulls boss Russell Slade has clearly been intent on releasing Cox’s creativity in recent games and the results have generally been impressive.

He looked to have a real appetite for the challenge in the first halves against Swindon and Hereford, getting on the ball on a regular basis.

In contrast, it was after a return to the left flank that he was at his most dangerous at Colchester as Albion got on top in the second period.

Previous managers have tried Cox in a more central role, but only fleetingly and often in meaningless games.

Mark McGhee had him just behind the font two in a friendly at Le Havre and Dean Wilkins offered him a central midfield role in a pre-season game at Woking.

But that was about as far as it went.

Even when Wilkins famously went to a diamond in a 4-1 win at Orient, it was Nick Ward who was given licence to attack.

Now Slade, who has no worries over Cox’s slight physique, is getting him central when he can, though with others around him to do a lot of the tackling.

“I love it, I’ve got to say,” Cox admitted.

“It’s a role that gives you licence to go forward and sort of roam on the pitch basically.

“You pick up the ball here and there.

“It wasn’t really as effective (on Monday) as in the Swindon game but I went out on to my left position and enjoyed that as well.

“I don’t prefer the central role. I’ve always said as long as I’m playing, that will do me.

“There is a problem if I’m not playing.

“I do like it in there because it’s a different role and a different way of playing.

“But either way I’m just happy if I’m playing and when we get the win.”

‘Must-win’ has probably been the most used phrase by those who follow Albion of late.

It seems every game has carried that tag in the past few weeks.

Don’t expect that to change for a while yet.

Asked about the 1-0 success at Colchester, Cox said: “It was a must-win, we got the win.

“We scored from a set piece and that’s a positive because we work on them at the training ground.

“The fans went home happy and the lads went home happy.

“We work more on set pieces now, at the end of the season.

“If you get the chance to put a decent ball into the box then you need to take advantage, like we did on Monday. It shows that can win you a game.

“We need to pick up as many points as we can.

“We saw on the videprinter that other people slipped up and we’re only three points away so a win on Saturday and there you are.”

Slade has appreciated Cox’s willingness to adapt although he would love to see him improve on a record of two league goals since November 1.

The Seagulls boss said: “He has done terrific for me.

“I’ve switched him about from centre of midfield to the side and he offers a threat.

“He should cap more of his performances off with a goal because he is good enough to do that.

“I enjoy working with him.”

A repeat of one of Cox’s best strikes yet, in a 2-1 defeat by Oldham two seasons ago, would be nice on Saturday for a game which, guess what, is a must-win.

“It was a nice volley but only a consolation,” Cox said.

“Hopefully the same again but it’s the winner.”