Nottingham Forest are opponents to dread right now.

They are top of the league, unbeaten and scoring at a rate of more than two goals per game.

So seventh-bottom Albion must be quaking in their boots, especially the last line of defence responsible for keeping the rampant hosts at bay.

Not David Stockdale, the Seagulls’ ultra-positive No. 1.

Fear is a non-existent word in the Yorkshireman’s vocabulary. Every time he opens his mouth he exudes optimism.

Stockdale said: “If we are on top of our game, play the way the manager wants us to play, we never fear anyone.

“It’s like Tottenham away (in the Capital One Cup). To us it’s not the massive tie that some people make out, because we believe we can go there and mix it with Premier League quality and pedigree.”

Misplaced confidence? Perhaps but Stockdale feels he is beginning to get in the groove with Albion.

Since ending the Seagulls’ exhaustive summer research for Tomasz Kuszczak’s replacement, the former Fulham custodian has started every game with the exception of the second round tie in the Capital One Cup at Swindon when Casper Ankergren took over.

Stockdale was between the posts in the third round victory at Burton Albion on Wednesday, completing consecutive clean sheets following the disappointing stalemate with Blackpool at the Amex last Saturday.

The 29-year-old said: “I think that has really helped me (run of games) and I think it will benefit me in the long run.

“I don’t feel as if there is anything I’ve done majorly wrong. There have been a couple of goals I could have done better on but I spoke to the manager and the goalkeeper coach and they are pretty confident in what I am trying to do. As long as it stays that way I’ll be happy.

“I want to play in every game but obviously it’s not possible, like at Swindon.

“I wanted to play but the manager names the starting 11 I respect that. I give support to Casper when he plays and he does the same to me.”

A familiar face is in opposition for the 200th league appearance of Stockdale’s multi-club career at the City Ground today.

Stuart Pearce’s Forest assistant, Steve Wigley, guided Fulham’s next generation to the FA Youth Cup final.

“He is a great guy,” said Stockdale.

“He has done a lot for me off the pitch and in football, behind the scenes that people don’t realise, little chats and things.

“He has gone to work with Stuart Pearce who everyone knows is a top notch coach and manager. That is one of the reasons why they are where they are.

“Together they make a great team but we are just as confident in our team and our backroom staff and the way we are doing things.

“It should be a good spectacle.

“Things just haven’t dropped into place for us. It’s a long, hard season and if we are in this position at the end of the season then everyone will hold their hands up and say we haven’t done what we wanted to do but I feel there are lots of things to happen.”