DEREK Allan is one step ahead of Albion.

The former Seagull hopes Kingstonian can pull off another shock in the fourth round of the FA Cup tomorrow at Danny Wilson's Bristol City.

Albion are, of course, aiming to be at Ashton Gate in the Second Division next season.

Allan admits he would still swap places with the current Albion crop.

He said: "We would like to be where Brighton are in the League. A Cup run is okay, but we could be relegated from the Conference if we don't liven up.

"I would still like to be in full-time football as well."

Allan was released in a big clearout by Micky Adams shortly after he took charge.

The Scottish stopper is still a big admirer of the Albion boss and is grateful for his help in clinching the move to Kingstonian.

He said: "Geoff Chapple rang him up and he told him I was definitely one to look at. I owe Micky for that.

"I knew him when I was a young player at Southampton and he always looked after me then.

"I would have liked more time to prove to him I could have been part of his plans, but he had already decided big changes were needed and I can understand that.

"I've got no bitterness towards the club. I still look for their results and they've got a fantastic manager in Micky to take them forward. I think now they will really take off."

Allan, 26, keeps in touch with former team-mates Mark Walton and Richard Barker.

His only regret is that his three years at Albion coincided with one of the bleakest periods in the club's history. "Unfortunately I was involved when they were at the bottom," he said. "To be honest it was a disaster for me at Brighton from start to finish.

"I had to travel two and a half hours to home games at Gillingham and I kept picking up injuries.

"But I am not the sort of person to wallow in what happened. I've got a decent job now as a stationery sales rep and I am enjoying having a life outside football.

"I think it makes you into a better person. For eight or nine years football was my life.

"Now there are other things and other people to think of, but I would never rule out a return to the League if I got the chance."

Defender Allan is enjoying himself on the pitch as well. He had a memorable day out at Wembley last May, when Kingstonian lifted the FA Trophy against Kettering, and is now looking forward to the biggest match of his career.

He said: "The biggest one so far, even though I wasn't involved in it, was for Brighton at Hereford.

"But in terms of me playing this one will definitely be by a mile.

"I've got about 15 or 16 friends and relatives coming, including a few from back in Scotland.

"I've had more success in a year and a half with Kingstonian than I ever had at Brighton.

"We're in the fourth round of the FA Cup and we've got players here who could easily play in the League.

"If Bristol City think they just have to turn up then believe you me they will be in for a shock."