Deadline signing Martin Ling will have to wait for his chance with Albion.

Manager Micky Adams has revealed his new capture will be on the bench for tomorrow's vital trip to Barnet.

"I have not seen him for a while and I don't know his level of fitness," said Adams. I have explained to him we are going along nicely at the moment with a reasonably settled side and he will have to fight for his place."

Adams snapped up the versatile Ling from Leyton Orient yesterday, hours before the transfer deadline. The 33-year-old midfielder was originally going to sign on loan until the end of the season, but he is now joining the Seagulls on a non-contract basis.

Ironically, Ling had a trial with Barnet after losing his place in Orient's first team in November. He was on the verge of joining Swindon for the third time when the deal was dashed by the Wiltshire club's financial problems and he was also linked with Conference club Stevenage.

Ling and former Barnet defender Jamie Campbell are added to the 16 on duty for Tuesday's 5-2 thrashing of Macclesfield, rejuvenated Albion's fifth win out of six.

Barnet ended a six-match run without a win by beating Plymouth 1-0 at home the same night. They are sixth, but the play-off pursuing Seagulls can close the gap on them to four points with another victory.

"We want to go there and win, that is the intention," said Adams. "It would be foolish to settle for a draw, but I think they are a good side. I respect John Still and with the squad of players he has got he deserves manager of the year.

"Sometimes it takes a win like they had on Tuesday to start you off again, as we found. I think it will be a cracking game and there should be a terrific atmosphere."

Meanwhile, supporters have a chance to quiz chairman Dick Knight and chief executive Martin Perry in a fans' forum at the Excelsior Hotel in Hove next Wednesday (7.45pm). Organisers hope Adams will also be there.

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