Kevin McLeod has pledged to re-ignite his Albion career following his first start for Russell Slade.

The former Colchester winger featured from the outset in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Brentford and is hoping to keep his place at Huddersfield tonight.

McLeod's previous start was at Leyton Orient back in March. Officially that was Slade's first match in charge but he had only just been appointed, so assistant Dean White picked the side.

McLeod only started ten other league games last season after fracturing a knee-cap on his home debut against Barnet in the Carling Cup.

"The knee injury wrecked my whole season," said the 28-year-old Liverpudlian. "I am fit now, touch wood, and you will see a different Kevin McLeod this year.

"The gaffer has given me a start, a chance to play in the team. Now it is up to me to cement my place.

"Last year was hard for me, because every time I tried to come back I got something else. It was all repercussions from the knee operation.

"I should have just hung my boots up for the season but this year I have come back stronger and fitter. I have lost a lot of weight and I just want to stay on that pitch for Brighton."

McLeod alternated at Brentford with Mark Wright between his customary role on the left flank and on the right in a 4-4-1-1 system, with Dean Cox in behind Liam Dickinson.

"I enjoyed the formation," McLeod said. "You have just got to get into holes and situations where you can help Dicko out and get little Coxy on the ball and let him do his magic.

"I don't mind playing on the right, because I can come inside and play one-twos with the front man and have a few shots.

"It was nice to actually get a point on the board. It felt a bit stronger with the team shape, it's just unfortunate we haven't got that goal yet."

Although McLeod was on target in both the FA Cup and Johnstone's Paint Trophy last season, he has not scored in the league since a double in the Championship for Colchester at Scunthorpe 15 months ago.

That helped his former club to a draw from a long journey north and tonight's tough-looking assignment at Huddersfield holds no fears for him.

"My grandad used to tell me everyone has got two legs and a heart and therefore can run," McLeod said. "If we work hard like we did against Brentford, close them down and keep the ball, I can't see why we can't nick a set piece or score a goal and get three points.

"There have been a lot more changes than last year, so it is going to take time to gel, and when we gel it might look exciting."