Joe Gatting is poised to pledge his future to Albion until 2009.

Fellow youth teamer Joel Lynch has already signed a three-year pro deal after breaking into the senior side and centre forward prospect Gatting is set to follow suit.

Contract negotiations with the club are being handled by his dad and former Albion defender Steve but Gatting junior said: "It's good knowing I've got three years.

"This is a great place to learn your football and a lot of good young players are coming through."

Gatting made his first team debut against Leicester last month and has started five of Albion's last six outings in the Championship.

His education continued yesterday when he came up against England centre half Sol Campbell in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Arsenal's London Colney training ground.

The Seagulls were hand-picked by the Gunners to give run-outs to Campbell and Dutch striker Robin van Persie, both out injured since February 1.

A star-studded Arsenal line-up won the game 1-0, Dennis Bergkamp heading the only goal in the 61st minute from a Theo Walcott cross.

Campbell is trying to prove his well-being for England's World Cup campaign in Germany in the summer after bruising an ankle.

Gatting said: "It looked as if he needed the game. He probably wasn't as sharp as he can be, because he hasn't played for a while.

"I had a little chance at the beginning but my touch wasn't the best. It was a great experience for us and gave us a taste of what it takes to become a top player."

The Albion side was a mixture of youngsters, fringe first teamers and the experienced Jason Dodd, who hopes to play a part in the relegation run-in after recovering from a long-term back problem.

Arsenal: Almunia; Campbell, Connolly, Djourou, Traore, Smith, Larsson, Song, Walcott, Bergkamp, Van Persie. Subs: Poom (for Almunia 46), Garry (for Traore 60), Stokes (for Smith 40), Muamba (for Bergkamp 80), Bendyner (for Van Persie 72).

Albion: Martin; Reid, Elphick, Dodd, Rents, Robinson, Cox, Nicolas, Loft, Gatting, McPhee.