Albion's relegation fears are set to be eased by a points deduction for rivals Rotherham.

The Yorkshiremen have been charged by the Football League for fielding on-loan Farrend Rawson against the Seagulls on Easter Monday when he was ineligible.

The 18-year-old Derby centre-half played the whole match, which Albion lost 1-0, after his 28-day youth loan had ended.

Rotherham were eager to extend Rawson’s stay and Derby were happy to allow it but the Football League did not sanction the deal and the teenager is back with the Rams.

Rotherham now face a Disciplinary Commission which the League says will “take place at the earliest possible opportunity to ensure that it reaches its conclusion before the end of the current season”.

A verdict is expected before the weekend to provide clarity in the fight to avoid relegation and Rotherham are likely to be docked three points.

Blackpool escaped in November with a fine after fielding Donervon Daniels in similar circumstances. The case was less sensitive as Blackpool lost.

AFC Wimbledon were deducted three points a year ago for fielding an ineligible player in a 4-3 win against Cheltenham.

So were Hartlepool in 2009-10 after fielding Gary Liddle in a 2-0 victory against Albion when he should have been starting a suspension.

Sixth-bottom Albion host Huddersfield tonight with a two-point lead over fourth-bottom Rotherham.

The Yorkshiremen, away to fellow strugglers Fulham tomorrow night, have a seven-point cushion over Millwall and Wigan, who clash at The Den this evening.