Marcos Painter has praised the huge part being played on and off the pitch by Albion’s former England international.

Painter is on red alert to make his first home start since April if Wayne Bridge fails to recover from a calf injury ahead of Saturday’s visit from Bolton Wanderers.

The former Swansea left-back sat out the Seagulls first 17 league and cup games of the season as Bridge shone but came into the side at Huddersfield last Saturday.

Painter believes he has improved this season thanks to Bridge and told The Argus: “I am learning from just watching him play every week. He is a quality player and such a nice bloke.

“He joins in with the group and plays his part off the field as well.

“We go out here and there as a group and there’s a great team spirit.”

Albion will know the make-up of their playing staff for the rest of 2012 as the loan window closes today.

Several Seagulls players are interesting other clubs to varying degrees although Scunthorpe boss Brian Laws has said he has no budget left with which to take Matt Sparrow back to Glanford Park.

Bolton are expected to add to their midfield ahead of the match at The Amex. They are unbeaten in four games under Dougie Freedman.

The former Crystal Palace boss took the chance to watch Benik Afobe – the striker who scored twice for Huddersfield at Withdean last season – in an under-21 match this week.