Doug Loft admitted today it is crunch time in his quest to earn a new contract with Albion.

The midfielder came off the bench towards the end of last Saturday's 0-0 draw against Huddersfield at Withdean.

It was Loft's first appearance in the first team since he was substituted early in the home defeat by Chesterfield at the end of September and he is now aiming to force his way into the plans of manager Dean Wilkins.

Loft, 20, said: "My contract is up at the end of the season. I hope to keep on playing well and impressing the gaffer. I hope he gets the job and gives me a new deal but we will see.

"I would love to get one but it is up to him. The next month is a big month. Hopefully I'll just keep on playing well. I'm confident and hopefully I can score a few goals."

Loft, playing on the right side of the midfield diamond, impressed for an hour in front of the watching Wilkins for the Reserves in Tuesday's 8-2 rout of QPR at Worthing before sore knees forced him off.

He will be fit for Saturday's trip to Northampton and believes he is now coming to terms with the professional game after struggling to adapt at first following a free transfer move from Hastings in January last year.

"It is a big step up and it did take me time to adjust," he said. "I knew it would but I didn't really adjust to it straight away.

"Now I am used to it, training every day, and I think I am a much better player than when I came. Hopefully I can go on and start fighting for a first team place."

Which Albion players would you like to see offered new deals?