Andy Petterson wants to prolong his career in England before it goes down under.

Albion's multi-club goalkeeper plans to return to his native Australia, but only after one last crack at English football.

The Seagulls have re-signed Petterson on a monthly contract to save them from a crisis.

Will Packham hurt an ankle in training 24 hours before the derby against Crystal Palace, so 41-year-old goalkeeping coach and kit man John Keeley was on the bench at Selhurst Park.

Now Steve Coppell has turned back to Petterson as cover for No. 1 Michel Kuipers.

He made eight consecutive first team appearances earlier this season under Coppell's predecessor Martin Hinshelwood before the Seagulls let him go at the end of last month.

"It is a bit of a surprise to be back," Petterson said. "I came down here last week just to do a bit of training, then Will got the injury on Friday so it all fitted in well.

"I wasn't doing a lot. I had my agent looking around for another club for me. Unfortunately there are very few clubs out there at the moment with any money to do anything.

"I was just keeping myself fit in the gym and hoping something would come up. It's just a monthly contract as cover at the moment, but I see no reason why I cannot push to get a game here."

Petterson was still a teenager when he left Australia to launch a long and varied career in England with Luton.

The 33-year-old former Portsmouth custodian has served a dozen clubs since then, including a spell on loan with today's opponents Bradford.

"It's not the best time in football to be out of contract," Petterson said. "I was looking to play over here until about 35 then head back to Australia to play.

"I'm trying to get a couple of years here. If worse comes to worse I will have to go back to Australia sooner, but I'm going to give it this season and hunt around.

"Who knows, if I get some games here something might happen with Brighton or elsewhere. I'll just keep plugging away."