Robbie Pethick is ready to complete a hat-trick of First Division relegation escapes with Albion.

The fit-again defender survived two close calls at Portsmouth and he is aiming to stage a repeat for the Seagulls.

Pethick, in contention again after recovering from a back injury, said: "I have been involved in two relegation battles which have gone to the last day of the season.

"One was at Huddersfield. If Millwall had got a point we were doomed, but they lost and we won.

"The other one was at Bradford two years later, so I know what it's like. You have just got to play the same and not even think about relegation, just treat it as another game.

"It's very tight. We have just got to keep on winning our games and putting the pressure on the other sides, but they are doing the same so it's swings and roundabouts.

"The team are doing well and we are out of the bottom three. Hopefully we can stay there."

Ivar Ingimarsson, signed on loan from Wolves, has performed well in the centre of defence since Pethick's injury, but the Icelandic international can be recalled by Wanderers at a moment's notice.

"I am ready and willing to step straight back in as soon as I am wanted, but the team is doing well and I understand that you cannot change a winning side," said Pethick.

"Things were going alright for me. It's disappointing when you get injured, but you just have to knuckle down and crack on with it."

Pethick, missing for the last five matches, is due to make his comeback in the Reserves against Portsmouth at Worthing tomorrow (2pm)

"I had my back manipulated and an epidural in my spine to settle it down," he said. "Touch wood it has worked.

"I started back training on Friday and I've just got to get my fitness back now. It feels fine at the moment, a lot better than when I last tried to come back. Hopefully I will have a little run out against my old lot on Wednesday."

Rock-bottom Grimsby emphasised the unpredictable nature of the relegation fight last night with a 2-2 draw at Saturday's Withdean visitors Nottingham Forest.

A last minute goal denied the Mariners all three points after they had come from behind. They are now adrift of Sheffield Wednesday on goal difference and two points below Albion and Stoke.

Rotherham manager Ronnie Moore has dropped eight of his first team to the reserves following their 2-0 loss at Albion on Saturday.