Mark McCammon is on his way out of Albion before next Tuesday's transfer deadline.

The big striker will be loaned out if he fails to land a permanent deal with Championship promotion chasers Watford.

McCammon trained with Watford yesterday, an arrangement organised by his agent after Albion had set up a couple of loan options.

Manager Mark McGhee revealed today: "He is coming back and then I'll insist he goes on loan somewhere else or to Watford. He'll not be allowed to go to Watford on loan."

McCammon, 27, served his purpose last season, helping the Seagulls to wins against Gillingham, Watford, Sheffield United, Sunderland and former club Millwall.

He had a bust-up with McGhee at half-time at Burnley in April and has made only a handful of appearances this season, partly due to injury.

Meanwhile, youngster Joe Gatting is poised to play a more prominent part in Albion's battle against relegation if McGhee's hunt for new prolific youth teamer made his second substitute appearance at Sheffield United last Saturday and scored again in the reserves at Colchester on Wednesday.

"He'll continue to get the sort of opportunities he is getting," McGhee said.

"Whether we are ready to start him or not I'm not sure, it depends what happens.

"If in one of those opportunities he shows enough that he should be given the next step then we'll do it, it's up to him. He has certainly showed enough in training.

He looks as likely to score as anyone.

"Physcially he'll hold it up and keep possession and he looks as if he is going to score a goal because he keeps getting into the danger area.

"If we go and sign somebody that is going to do that job then his opportunities might be limited a little bit. If we don't then he could find himself getting a chance."

The availability of Gatting and leftback Joel Lynch for Albion's FA Youth Cup fifth round tie away to Blackburn could be affected by the result of Rovers' FA Cup fourth round tie at home to West Ham tomorrow.

The Seagulls' under-18s will go to Ewood Park on February 8 unless Rovers require a replay with the Hammers.

Albion's tie would then take place on February 10, the night before the first team's crucial home fixture against relegation rivals Leicester.

Albion's kids have the extra incentive of a possible trip to St James' Park if they triumph at Ewood Park. The winners will be away in the quarter-finals to the winners of next Tuesday's Brentford v Newcastle tie.