Inigo Calderon has added his voice to those of Albion fans hoping Liam Bridcutt stays at The Amex.

He has urged supporters to forget about a passing of the captain’s armband from the Scotland international.

Bridcutt is a target for his old boss Gus Poyet at Sunderland.

He stepped down as skipper against Bournemouth on New Year’s Day having led the side for four matches in the absence of injured Gordon Greer.

Calderon, who came back into the side at half-time against Charlton on Boxing Day, would love to see the midfielder stay at The Amex.

He said: “I’m the vice-captain but Liam had been playing before and he didn’t think about it (handing back the armband) at Blackpool on Sunday.

“I didn’t mind. It is not a problem. Don’t read anything into it.

“He is the third captain but he doesn’t have any problem with me, I don’t have any problem with him.

“It is not because he is going to leave or because he is going to stay.

“But hopefully he is going to stick with us.”

Calderon hopes to lead Albion into the fourth round of the FA Cup and is ready to shrug off any fatigue from the festive programme.

The Seagulls host Championship rivals Reading in the third round on Saturday.

Calderon said: “Maybe it’s the best game to play because it is a different tournament, and everybody here loves the FA Cup, it is something special.

“Maybe you can find extra motivation for that game, extra energy.

“Hopefully we win the cup! But we want to play a Premier League club so maybe if we beat Reading we will have a reward.

Former Albion left-back Wayne Bridge has a knee injury and is unlikely to feature for Reading.

Meanwhile, Burnley boss Sean Dyche has admitted he needs a striker.

The Clarets, who have been powered into the promotion places by the goals of Danny Ings and Sam Vokes, have offered Albion £750,000 for Ashley Barnes.

Dyche said: “I don’t want to change too many bodies but we need support in the front department.

“It’s not rocket science. We’re active and we’re attempting to bring players to the club.”

Development squad striker Shamir Goodwin is back with Albion after his loan spell at Tonbridge Angels expired.