James Wilson believes his last-gasp equaliser against Derby has given Albion a lift for their must-win promotion showdown with Middlesbrough.

The striker on loan from Manchester United came off the bench to rescue a 1-1 draw deep into stoppage time for the Seagulls’ ten men at the Amex yesterday.

It made no difference to the need for victory on Saturday to pip Boro but it sends Albion into the North-East blockbuster still unbeaten in 13 games.

Wilson said: “We’re disappointed but, as the manager said, if we had gone into the season knowing we needed one win to get automatic promotion we’d bite your hand off.

“We’re down because we didn’t get the result we wanted but the goal gives us a lift.

“It’s all about confidence really. In the ground the fans, the players in the dressing room, it has given us a great lift, not going into the last game on the back of a defeat.”

Albion will be without Lewis Dunk, who is banned for two games for his second red card of the season.

Wilson, who struck his fifth goal for the Seagulls from a corner to wipe out substitute Andreas Weimann’s second-half goal for Derby, said: “He’s been brilliant all season. He’s got his chance and taken it and he’s been a brilliant part of the team. Hopefully we can do it for him.”

Dunk will be replaced at centre-half at the Riverside Stadium by captain and Scotland international Gordon Greer, his first club appearance since January, as Albion seek the victory required to reach the Premier League after missing out on beating Derby to need only a draw.

Wilson said: “You could ask a lot of players and everyone would say something different. Personally I would rather need to win, because everyone starts getting nervous in the last 20 minutes if it’s still 0-0. I’d prefer to go up there and give it a good go.”

Derby’s point confirmed they will face Hull in the play-offs, with Albion or Boro up against Sheffield Wednesday.

Burnley clinched promotion last night with a 1-0 home win against QPR, ex-Albion loan striker Sam Vokes heading them straight back up to the top flight.