Simon Rusk knows exactly what the youngsters under his command must do to make the first team grade.

And he reckons experience against League One opponents tonight can only help them take what is an increasingly large step.

Albion’s under-23s boss takes his side to Southend United in the first of their three group fixtures in the new Checkatrade Trophy.

The competition, which replaces the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on the calendar, also involves group games away to Stevenage and at home to Leyton Orient.

Few would contest the idea that the JPT was a largely unpopular competition which failed to provoke any sort of excitement until the area finals stage – which was actually the semi-final round.

The new trophy is not enjoying a good press either with critics among the lower division clubs fearful over what it could lead to in terms of Premier League B teams entering the Football League structure.

Issues have also been raised regarding inconsistencies in the competition rules.

The absence of top Premier clubs is disappointing although it has let Albion in for their chance to take part.

However the move to pit emerging players from bigger clubs against first teams from lower divisions brings England into line with countries who produce a lot of young talent and whose international teams have enjoyed success in recent years, including Spain, France and Portugal.

Rusk sees it as a fantastic chance for his side, who are unbeaten in three league games so far, to learn.

He told The Argus: “We are excited about it. From an under-23 management point of view, it’s one where we say to the boys ‘Let’s go and have a go’.

“We probably won’t go into the game at full strength because the game falls in an international week. But it is an opportunity for the boys to pit their wits against players who play week in, week out in the Football League.

“I’m excited by it and so should the players be.”

Albion could need a bit more from their development squad this season after the abolition of emergency loans.

Ben White and Rob Hunt have already been on the bench in the Championship this term.

Events last week showed the Seagulls are very close to essentially having three men’s teams now – a first-choice team, a cup team and an under-23 team.

The club were able to make 11 changes for their League Cup tie at Oxford on Tuesday and still send out an under-23 line-up on Monday capable of drawing with their Aston Villa counterparts.

Of course the aim has to be for under-23s to be pushing for Championship action and that was possibly missing last term.

When Chris Hughton needed a left-back in mid-season or another striker for the run-in, there were no candidates in the development squad who took his fancy.

That is something that might have to change this season – which possibly explains the knowledgeable Rusk’s return to development squad duties after half a season with the first team.

Rusk said: “It was a brilliant experience for me last year and that can only make me a better coach and benefit the players I am working with now.

“More importantly, it has shown in pre-season that the gaffer is willing to give the younger players an opportunity.

“They also had an opportunity to showcase themselves in the League Cup and it should give all the under-23s and under-18s a big boost.

“You have to take into consideration how strong the first team are and what a good side the manager and staff here have put together.

“It is our job to support and push them into the first team.

“But the other side is if the first team perform to such a high level.”

Albion have several junior Irish internationals in their ranks and have lost striker Jonah Ayunga to the Kenyan national squad.

But they have started well in their league with a late 1-0 win over Fulham to follow draws at Middlesbrough and with Villa.

“One of the things the group have bought into is that we want to be hard to beat, no matter who we play against,” Rusk said after the pleasing 0-0 stalemate with relegated Boro at the Riverside.

Those qualities could be tested tonight.