When he comes off the pitch at Brisbane Road on Saturday it will be the first result he looks for.

Paul McCarthy is at the heart of Oxford's promotion bid with fellow former Albion centre half Andy Crosby, but he has a special interest in the Seagulls' match at Wycombe.

The 32-year-old Irishman served both clubs for seven seasons and a total of almost 400 League appearances.

"They have been my only two clubs, apart from Oxford, so I still take a great interest in them," McCarthy said.

"I fancy Brighton to win it. They are stronger and can score goals."

McCarthy enjoyed an FA Cup semi-final appearance with Wycombe under Lawrie Sanchez before joining Oxford in the summer after a loan spell.

"I had an option of another year but it came down to money," he said. "A few of the experienced boys went and the way they dealt with it wasn't very pleasant, but I still have fond memories of my time there.

"The only year we struggled was when Lawrie first got the job and I am surprised to see them in the position they are now. They have still got some decent players."

Former Albion captain McCarthy, on target for Oxford last Saturday, still lives in Crowborough.

"A lot of my friends are Brighton season ticket holders and go to all the games," he said.

"They are starting to pick up at home again and they looked better than Plymouth, so I think there is still a chance of automatic promotion, especially with Benjamin and Knight up front. There is not a better front two in the division."

Albion golden goal times v Plymouth: 1st goal: 11 min.52sec, 2nd goal: 33:42, 3rd goal: 87:04. 6th goal pool: £1,250 v Bournemouth.

Whitehawk Football Clubs lucky numbers: 167 (£200), 41 (£50), 153 (£25).