Nathan Jones insists his battle with Kerry Mayo for the leftback berth will not affect their friendship.

Boss Micky Adams sprang a surprise for Albion's opening match at Cambridge United by picking the Welshman instead of Mayo.

"Someone from the outside looking in would think we wouldn't really be friends," Jones admitted.

"But at the end of the day there are 20 odd players competing for 11 places, so there is always going to be competition.

"Kerry did well last year. I started the season then on the left wing and we had a really good understanding.

"I am good friends with Kerry off the pitch. In the summer five of us went on holiday to Cyprus together, so it's friendly competition between us.

"If you cannot handle competition then you won't last long in football.

"It's enjoyable in any case, because it keeps you on your toes and means you cannot really relax.

"There is no problem between me and Kerry. He is one of my mates on and off the pitch and, whatever happens this year, that won't change."

Jones is just relieved that he was available to make the 150th League appearance of his career at the Abbey Stadium.

The 28-year-old missed a rematch with his former club Southend on the opening day last season as a result of a suspension he picked up while playing for the Shrimpers.

"Everybody wants to play in every game, but the first one is always a bit special," said Jones. "You work all pre-season just to build up to one game.

"It's always a nice game to play in, because there are usually big crowds and the pitches are always good.

"It was very disappointing for me last season, particularly as it was against Southend."

Many people expected Jones to take over from Mayo immediately following his Bosman free transfer move from Roots Hall last summer.

His initial ban handed Mayo his chance and the Cuckfield-born defender never looked back.

Mayo missed only one League match all season and that was through suspension.

The long throw specialist's part in Albion's Third Division title triumph and a record number of clean sheets for the back four was rewarded with a new three-year contract to take him through to a testimonial.

Jones, meanwhile, was a regular in front of Mayo on the left flank until Christmas.

Fans at Withdean loved his silky skills going forward, but he started only a third of the Seagulls' games in the second half of the campaign.

"I thought it was a good season for me," Jones said. "I think I contributed to the fact that we got promoted.

"Up until Christmas I felt I was playing very well, then January was in and out.

"We had a good squad and you couldn't really rest on your laurels. Even if you had not bad but average games you knew you could be left out.

"I can't remember having a really bad game. It was just the competition for places and now that is even more so."

The arrival of Robbie Pethick from Bristol Rovers has provided Adams with another fullback option and he was preferred to Mayo on the bench for the Cambridge clash.

Paul Watson's versatility as a left-footed rightback gives Adams even more scope.

Jones is keen to command the leftback position he prefers and the bespectacled Rhondda boy has set his sights on another successful season for the club.

"Again you have to aim high," he declared. "We have a good enough squad here, a blend of aggression and footballers, and I think we can do well in the Second Division.

"Whether we win the League or get promoted is another matter.

"Only time will tell, but I think we have an opportunity to do well if we play to our potential, stick together and have a little bit of good fortune along the way."