Albion boss Peter Taylor believes the Seagulls' biggest defeat for nearly three years could be a blessing in disguise.

Taylor says the result will give everyone at the club a "kick up the backside".

The players return to training today after a weekend off in the wake of last Thursday's 4-0 drubbing at fellow promotion contenders Brentford.

Taylor regards the result as a salutary reminder of what can happen if complacency creeps in.

He said: "The most positive thing about it is that it gives everybody a kick up the backside. I mean absolutely everybody, directors, supporters, players and management. The players were very down and very disappointed after the Brentford match. They were outbattled and you cannot normally say that.

"At times we think this game is very easy because of the good run we've had. I think it will bring everybody back down to earth and serve as a reminder of what we have achieved.

"If anybody had said by the end of January we would have lost only four League matches we would have been happy with that."

Albion begin the build up today to Thursday's crucial home clash against Cardiff. Simon Morgan, Paul Watson and Gary Hart are all serving one match bans, so Taylor is grateful for some time to reorganise.

"I think we needed a week together, especially with the suspensions," he said. "We will be training Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday."

Taylor's biggest problem is replacing Morgan in the centre of defence. A head injury ruled him out at Brentford and youngster Adam Virgo deputised as Albion conceded four goals for the first time since Rochdale won at Withdean in December 1999.

Robbie Pethick stood in for Morgan in last Monday's 2-1 win at Chesterfield, but Pethick will probably be needed to take over from Watson at rightback.

David Lee could be in contention for his debut in place of Hart on the right flank. Lee was signed from Hull earlier this month in a free transfer swap with Matthew Wicks after a thigh injury which ruled Hart out for three matches exposed an absence of cover in that area.

Taylor is still wrestling with the dilemma of when to bring the versatile Junior Lewis in on loan from Leicester for three months. He would have to wait until February 8 for Lewis to be available through to the Division Two play-off final on May 11.

Taylor was at Adams Park on Saturday to watch Wycombe Wanderers against Notts County, two of the teams visiting Withdean in March.

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