Albion chairman Dick Knight is ready to let boss Peter Taylor become part of England's World Cup scouting team.

Taylor is expected to be invited on board by Sven-Goran Eriksson for next summer's tournament in Japan and Korea, and he will go with Knight's blessing.

The chairman revealed on the day of Taylor's appointment that he would permit him to combine a club and country role, providing it does not interfere with his Albion duties.

The World Cup does not kick-off until May 31 and Albion's season will end no later than May 11, the date of the Second Division play-off final.

Knight confirmed: "I would expect Peter to be invited to join Sven's scouting team for the World Cup. That is why I granted that access to him.

"I haven't had any formal approaches from the FA yet, but I wouldn't expect that at this stage.

"I would be delighted if he is invited to help England out. Peter's coaching talent and tactical ability is well recognised in football. That is why I wanted him to come to Brighton."

Taylor gave up his international input in the summer to concentrate all his efforts on his former club Leicester.

Eriksson's scouting chief and former Albion forward Dave Sexton believes he will be able to combine the two roles.

"I would have an intelligent guess that he will be asked on board for the World Cup, but that is Sven's decision," Sexton said.

"I know he thinks highly of Peter, but the club and country issue has reared up with Steve McClaren as well.

"I think you can combine the two, providing results go for you at the club.

"If we are successful at the World Cup he may be away a long time, three or four weeks or maybe more including preparation, so it's not that easy to fit in.

"But with willing hands and hearts on both sides it can be done. I know they would like Peter to help if it's at all possible."

Bristol Rovers last night joined Albion in the hat for the last eight of the LDV Vans Trophy southern section, but they needed penalties to edge past non-League Yeovil after a 1-1 draw.