Paddy McCourt has taken a step towards forcing his way into regular first team contention with Albion.

The former Barnsley attacking midfielder had 90 minutes as an over-age player for the under-21s in a 1-0 win against Derby County at Lancing yesterday afternoon while the rest of the squad trained ahead of tonight’s visit to Ipswich.

McCourt, signed on a one-year deal last month following a trial, has made one substitute appearance so far at Swindon in the Capital One Cup.

The gifted Irishman, seeking full match sharpness, showed glimpses of his talent in helping Simon Ireland’s youngsters to their first points of the season at the Sussex FA’s Culver Road headquarters.

He had a free-kick from outside the area tipped over by Derby keeper Jonathan Mitchell just before the break.

A clever pass from McCourt inside the box almost led to Albion doubling their lead in the closing stages as James Muitt’s effort was blocked by Mitchell.

Nzuzi Toko also played the whole match, although he left the pitch feeling his right thigh.

The defensive midfielder, Albion’s first signing of the close season from Grasshopper Zurich, suffered a knee injury during pre-season.

Rob Deen slotted the only goal from an acute angle at the start of the second half to get Albion off the mark following defeats at home to Blackburn and away to Middlesbrough.