Albion boss Oscar Garcia has challenged Albion to marry their mean streak with a killer instinct as they prepare to face the most prolific goalscorer in the Championship.

The Seagulls’ defensive record of 25 goals conceded in 29 games, the third-best in the division behind QPR and Burnley, will be tested at the Amex tonight by fellow play-off contenders Leeds United and their spearhead Ross McCormack.

Oscar wants his side to make more of the chances they create at the other end to improve on a modest tally of 31 goals scored, the lowest of any team in the top ten and better only than Wigan, Blackpool and sides in the bottom five.

The head coach told The Argus: “The defensive line is experienced. They know each other quite well and they have a good understanding.

“It’s not only the defence. The attacking players are also working hard and the midfielders as well.

“The way we are playing we need to score more goals, to be more clinical in front of goal, but I am not worried because we are creating chances.

“Sometimes you can score the most difficult chances and miss the easy ones. Hopefully this kind of thing will change in the games coming up.

“Of course, Leeds have to worry about most of the players we have. We are at home, we want to keep playing like we have been and hopefully our killer instinct will change from now until the end of the season.”

Leeds have been galvanised by consecutive victories, including four goals for McCormack, since manager Brian McDermott was told he would be sacked and was then reinstated.

Uncertainty still surrounds the Yorkshiremen, with a takeover by the controversial Massimo Cellino on the brink of completion, but Oscar regards them as dangerous opponents.

He said: “The players are showing good character and he (McDermott) has been strong as well. These kind of things are affecting them in the right way, because they are winning.

“When you have a player like McCormack, who has scored 22 goals in 29 games, it was important for them to keep him during the transfer window. They didn’t lose anybody and they signed very good players. They are a stronger team now.”