Gary Dicker has played himself back into the first team frame with Albion.

Boss Russell Slade was pleased with the impact made by Dicker in his first appearance of the season against Stockport County on Saturday.

The Irish midfielder replaced Nicky Forster midway through the second half, after Colin Hawkins had joined Tommy Elphick for an early bath and Albion had fallen 3-2 behind.

Dicker could not save the Seagulls from a 4-2 defeat but he showed signs for the nine men of a return to his influential form on loan from Stockport at the end of last season.

Slade said: "I thought Dicker's contribution coming on was the best to date. He has stepped up a gear now from pre-season. I thought he did well."

Dicker, off the pace during pre-season following his permanent move from County, has given Slade food for thought over his midfield options for Friday night's trip to Millwall.

Goalkeeper Graeme Smith, former Wolves winger winger Elliott Bennett and centre half James Tunnicliffe are all likely to feature again in South London after encouraging full debuts against Stockport.

Slade said: "Smudger did well. He wasn't really responsible and I thought Elliott did great.

"I brought him off because he only had one full 90 minutes in pre-season, so he was getting tired, but I'm really pleased.

"He did some special things. He crossed the ball brilliantly a couple of times.

"James did some good things as well against his old club. Again it was his first game and he'll come on for that too."