STEVE Sidwell says he will not sulk if he drops back out of the Albion side.

The midfielder was drafted in with Ollie Norwood for the last match before the international break at Sheffield Wednesday, with Dale Stephens suspended and Beram Kayal injured.

Stephens is available again for Saturday’s game against Preston at the Amex, when the Seagulls will still be without Kayal.

Sidwell, 33, re-signed permanently in the summer after a spell on loan from Stoke last season, said: “It doesn’t matter how old you are you always wants to play, whether you are in your twenties or late thirties.

“And mentally you always think you can play. The body will tell you different once you get older. I’ve had to learn you can’t play every game.

“I’ve come with the mindset I want to play and I’m good enough to be in the starting eleven. If that is not the fact then that’s the manager’s call.

“I am old enough and wise enough to get on with that and not throw tantrums. I’ve never been that kind of player.

“You just get on with it and help the team out, wait for a chance and when it comes grab it with both hands.

“We are fortunate here to have a healthy squad and competition for places.

“The most important thing is if you are not involved in the starting eleven, how ever disappointed you are, it’s key to play your role and give the other boys the best encouragement to go out and win.”

Sidwell is the last Albion player to score against Preston, in a 2-2 draw in Lancashire 14 years ago.

Three of the next four games are at home. Wolves visit three days after Preston, while the month ends with the Seagulls entertaining Norwich following a trip to Wigan.