Albion manager Micky Adams has told Lee Steele he still has a big part to play in the Seagulls' promotion bid.

Adams has re-affirmed his admiration for the forgotten striker, who is scheduled to launch his comeback next week.

"Lee has settled into the club nicely," Adams said. "He is a likeable young lad who will be disappointed with what he has done so far, but there is no pressure on him.

"He has showed glimpses of what he is capable of and he has been a bit unfortunate.

"I still rate him and I still think he has got an important role to play in terms of the rest of the season."

Steele has only started three games since Albion saw off competition from several clubs to sign him from Shrewsbury in the summer on a Bosman free transfer.

The 27-year-old Liverpudlian has been plagued by injury problems and damaged a knee in a car crash before Christmas.

Adams said: "He was injured early on and by the time he was fit the team was flying.

"It is going to be doubly hard for him to get back in now because of what has been achieved so far without him."

Steele is expected to return to action in the reserves against Barnet next Wednesday.

Central defender Matthew Wicks continues his comeback from hamstring and calf injuries in a friendly behind closed doors for the reserves at Southampton today (noon).

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Hailsham striker Dave Adams is training with Albion on the recommendation of chief scout Dean White.

Albion Reserves: Cartwright; Davis, Jones, Virgo, Wicks, Melton, Thomas, Johnson, Freeman, Ramsay, Marney.