Albion are trying to bolster their baby-faced squad with a hat-trick of more experienced recruits before the close of the January transfer window.

The Seagulls have identified the need for more nous as they try to battle their way clear of relegation trouble.

Assistant manager Dean White revealed: "We are at the moment trying to sign one or two players, probably three actually.

"It's very important that we improve the squad, to help the lads that are here already. The club in general needs that little bit of a boost as well.

"They will definitely be players of real benefit to the squad. There are no guarantees they will come here but certainly we'll be looking to get players who can come into the team straight away.

"They will be experienced players.

"There is a lot more investment in experienced players and finances at the club are so tight that we have to be so sure about the players we are going for."

Albion's triple transfer bid coincides with the double blow of losing both skipper Dean Hammond and Kerry Mayo through suspension for tomorrow's key visit by Millwall.

"Dean Hammond was probably one of the best players on the pitch at West Ham," said White.

"Kerry's done well when he has played and he's expereinced. They are two experienced players.

"Dean is only 23 but we class him as an experienced player for us. They are going to be significant losses but we have got to dust ourselves down and get on with it."

Arsenal loan signing Joe O'Cearuill, 19, makes his home debut in defence but 21-year-old former Billericay striker Nathan Elder will probably have to settle for a place on the bench after scoring for the reserves at Whitehawk in midweek.

"He's done okay," White said. "He needs to improve his fitness. I don't think he realised the difference between the non-League and League in standard of fitness.

"He hasn't been at a League club before, that's the difference between him and Alex Revell.

"He had been at a League club (Cambridge United) and knew a certain amount about fitness levels when he came here.

"Nathan has not experienced anything like it. He needs to work hard at his fitness and other aspects of his game, then he'll be fine.

"When I went to watch him I saw raw talent, something we can work with. Only time will tell. Part of it will be down to us but a big part of it will be down to Nathan's appetite to work and improve."

Flu-hit boss Dean Wilkins stayed away from the training ground yesterday. He is expected to be well enough to try and guide the team through an end to their five-match losing run in all competitions.