Crawley boss Billy Smith has confirmed he is in the running for Albion midfielder Paul Armstrong.

The injury-jinxed Irishman was restricted to just five Third Division appearances this season and was told this week by Albion boss Micky Adams that he can leave.

But Armstrong impressed Smith when Albion defeated Reds 2-1 in the Sussex Senior Cup quarter-final earlier this season. Smith admitted: "I liked the boy. He did very well against us and has plenty of potential as a youngster. The lad's very unlucky to find himself released."

Armstrong made 53 appearances in three seasons with the Seagulls, scoring two goals, and was one of nine players to be put on the transfer list on Wednesday. Crawley play their last Dr Martens League premier division match at Grantham tomorrow and Smith said he will not be having such a drastic clearout as his Albion counterpart.

He said: "I haven't had the chance to talk to the lads properly, but there's no one in the squad I want to let go. Obviously I need to tie them all up at the club for next season."

Two players likely to attract attention are ex-Crystal Palace marksman Dean Wordsworth and midfielder Gus Hurdle. Smith is confident he can negotiate personal terms with them during the close season.

Crawley hold a programme fair at the Broadfield Stadium on May 14 (11am-2.30pm).