Jason Dodd today told manager Mark McGhee he is ready to use his experience of relegation fights to help Albion survive in the Championship.

The Seagulls take on managerless QPR at Loftus Road on Saturday five points behind fourth-from-bottom Sheffield Wednesday.

Full-back Dodd, a veteran of successful Premiership battles to beat the drop with Southampton, insists he has overcome ankle and back problems.

He came through 65 minutes unscathed in the 1-0 friendly defeat at Arsenal on Tuesday and said: "In theory, I am ready.

"I've trained for three weeks, including the day after the Arsenal game, and had a 90-minute training game last week. I feel fine.

"I still won't be 100 per cent fit for QPR but if the manager needs me to do a job I'll get out there and do it. I'd jump straight in. I'll not let anyone down.

"I am desperate to play. To help us stay up would be right up there with the biggest challenges I've ever faced.

"The way to get out of the mire is to dig deep and stick together as a team. That's how the sides I was in at Southampton managed to avoid going down. We've got that spirit at Brighton. All the lads get on.

"We've got eight matches, including one against Southampton, to do it and will survive.

"Rangers will provide tough opposition because, without a manager, their players are playing for their futures, but with the help of our supporters we can do well. I'll be there even if I am not in the squad to give the lads encouragement."

Dodd enjoyed the game against the Gunners.

He said: "It was nice to get out on the field against another club after so long. I needed a good blow.

"They had a strong side (including Sol Campbell, Dennis Bergkamp and Theo Walcott) and ours was a youngish one but we did okay against them."

Dodd has been limited to six appearances since joining on a one-year contract from Saints last summer.

Albion fans can pay at the gate at Loftus Road. Ticket prices are £24 for adults, £14 for over-60s and £12 for under-12s.