Adam Chicksen has been told he made an “absolutely excellent” debut as he seeks to stake a claim for an Albion place.

And he might have spared ex-Seagulls midfielder Doug Loft the challenge of playing at left-back in the process.

Chicksen played the full 90 minutes on Saturday as he kicked off a month on loan to Gillingham.

He helped the Gills to a precious 3-2 win at home to Leyton Orient towards the bottom of League One, a result secured with ten men.

Former Albion boss Peter Taylor has revealed he moved for Chicksen because he needed a specialist left-back.

Gillingham lost Joe Martin for three games after he was sent off at Crawley last Tuesday.

Taylor said: “I wanted a left-back who was a left-back.

“We could have put Michael Doughty there, Kortney Hause there next week or Doug Loft there but their positions are left centre half, left midfield and so on.

“Adam was excellent, absolutely excellent. He doesn’t get beaten one versus one and he is a good talker.

“For a first game he was talking ever so well, on the pitch and in the changing room. I was very pleased with him.”

Chicksen believes he can use the League One stage to stake a claim for more playing time with the Seagulls.

He will remain at the Priestfield for three further League One games, away to Bradford and Doncaster and at home to Port Vale.

Gillingham’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie at home to Leyton Orient also falls within the timescale of his loan deal, which was completed on Friday.