Steven Thomson is leaving Albion in January to return to Scotland.

St Mirren are interested in signing the Glaswegian midfielder and he could even return to Falkirk, where he was captain before Albion snapped him last January.

Thomson previously had spells with Crystal Palace and Peterborough, but the Seagulls’ vice-captain and his family have struggled to settle on the south coast so he he has requested a move back to Scotland.

Manager Micky Adams revealed: “Steve came to see me a while ago to tell me him and his family couldn’t settle in England and he has expressed a desire to return to Scotland in January.

“He hasn’t spat his dummy out because of our results. His family haven’t settled.”

Thomson was among eight players booked as Albion’s plight at the wrong end of the League One table worsened with a 4-2 defeat by promotion-chasing MK Dons at Withdean last night.

The problems are mounting up for Adams. First-choice goalkeeper Michel Kuipers is out for up to eight weeks after breaking a finger on his left hand in two places during training on Thursday.

Adams cannot sign a deputy until January, unless Kuipers’ young understudy John Sullivan also gets injured.

Sullivan, who has now conceded 14 goals in five appearances, is poised for an extended run in the side.

Albion slumped to defeat despite Bradley Johnson giving them a second- minute lead. They have taken one point from a possible 15 and could drop into the relegation zone today.

Adams said: “I’m not going to gloss over the facts. We have conceded four goals at home against a very good team.

“It’s another disappointing home defeat and it is a period we are not enjoying but we have got to battle through it. That was the message to the players.

“I think we have got a better squad than the table suggests but it’s up to us to put it right. January will be an interesting period in terms of strengthening.

“People are questioning my ability at the moment. I cannot argue with the facts but I have been here before at this club.”