Albion boss Russell Slade has saluted the never-say-die attitude of Nicky Forster.

The club captain headed in his second goal in as many matches to earn the Seagulls a 1-1 draw at Millwall last night.

It was only Forster’s third start since March, because of knee problems.

Slade said: “One of the points I made in the changing room is that there are one or two still searching for their best form, like Andy Whing and Nicky.

“It’s important when that’s happening that you keep going, you are getting a six out of ten and still doing a job.

“Nicky kept going and got his goal. We are a young side so you need one or two of those experienced characters out on the pitch and in the changing room.”

Slade also praised Michel Kuipers, who made vital saves soon after both goals after he was preferred to Graeme Smith. He said: “I thought he made two critical saves and that is always a good sign for a keeper.

“It was a tough decision – Smudger has been doing really well despite letting goals in. Michel came back in and he has proved me right really.

“There were some positive things, particularly in the second half. For about 20 to 25 minutes it was possibly our best spell of the season.

“We’re improving. We probably still haven’t got a settled team or my best team out, the one with the best balance and chemistry, but I feel we are heading the right way, albeit slowly.”