Charlie Oatway believes he is fit enough to last the whole game should he return to Albion's starting line-up against Oldham on Saturday.

Manager Mark McGhee challenged Oatway to prove he is capable of lasting 90 minutes after the midfielder returned from a long-term injury as a substitute against Wycombe on Boxing Day.

Oatway has come through two practice matches at Falmer plus his cameo 150th League appearance for the Seagulls in the 4-0 drubbing of Tony Adams' men.

He said: "I believe I'm fit enough to play. I feel quite good and am delighted to come through the practice matches and the Wycombe game.

"It was a great opportunity to bring me on with us 4-0 up and them down to nine players and I got about 30 minutes. I don't know what the selection is going to be but I'm back now, hopefully to full fitness."

Richard Carpenter is suspended against Oldham so the experienced Oatway could challenge on-loan Zesh Rehman for a midfield spot.

Oatway said: "There are other good players at the club who have just as much chance of playing as me. We'll just take it through the week and see how it goes."

The 30-year-old has been sidelined since mid-September after an operation to the back of his neck.

Oatway said: "I've been quite fortunate through my career overall but this has been an horrendous time. When you get these blows you've got to deal with them, it is as simple as that."

McGhee is impressed with Oatway's progress.

He said: "Charlie's doing okay. Hopefully he can have a good week's training. We'll take it a bit at a time."

Left-sided midfielder Nathan Jones starts a suspension that could run to four matches after the Oldham game following his dismissal against Swindon but McGhee says the progress of John Piercy and 19-year-old defender Adam El-Abd has eased the pressure to bring in new signings.

He said: "With John and Adam doing well I'm two players better off already. But I still might find an extra body or two."

Albion's League game at home to Barnsley on Saturday January 24 is still in the balance after Barnsley drew 0-0 with Third Division Scunthorpe in the FA Cup on Saturday.

If the Tykes win the replay, then the match at Withdean will be off.