Albion's potential £150,000 windfall for reaching round three of the FA Cup could be undermined by the unresolved threat of a players' strike.

The Seagulls are due to pocket £100,000 now that the second round tie at home to Rushden and Diamonds is being televised live on Sky on December 8, with a noon kick-off.

That extra cash may, however, depend on whether the PFA reaches agreement with the Premier League in their dispute over TV cash.

Albion players were part of an overwhelming PFA vote to boycott televised games if their demands are not met.

Andy Crosby, Albion's PFA rep, confirmed to the Argus only last week that his colleagues are committed to the cause.

The Seagulls are already guaranteed £20,000 for Saturday's first round victory against Shrewsbury as a result of AXA's lucrative sponsorship of the FA Cup this season.

A further £30,000 will be added to the pot if they beat Brian Talbot's League newcomers in round two.

Meanwhile, Gary Hart is back in contention for table-topping Albion's clash against Peterborough at Withdean tomorrow night.

Robbie Pethick deputised on the right side of midfield when illness ruled Hart out of the Shrewsbury success.

Hart resumed training yesterday as the Seagulls returned to their Falmer headquarters. Boss Peter Taylor said: "He looked okay, so hopefully he will be fit for selection."

Nathan Jones and Paul Rogers are both suffering from dead legs and they were restricted to a light session away from the main group.

Paul Brooker is standing by for a recall to the starting line-up on the left side of midfield if Jones is unfit, while the injury sustained by Rogers in the reserves last week continues to jeopardise his place on the bench.

Albion will lose top spot tonight if Brentford pick up at least a point at sixth-placed Huddersfield.

Peterborough could drop from tenth to 13th, but Albion captain Charlie Oatway has already been warned by a former Seagull that the ebullient Barry Fry's side will be a tough nut to crack.

Oatway said: "I spoke to Warren Aspinall the other week. He went and watched them and felt they were the best side he has seen, so it will be a good test for us."

Peterborough have returned 400 tickets for the game which have gone on sale to home supporters.