ALBION prospect Rob Hunt is in demand after shining in the FA Cup.

The Seagulls are prepared to let the 21-year-old right-back out on loan later this month, once injury victims Liam Rosenior and Seb Pocognoli have proved their fitness. Crawley, Portsmouth and Oldham are all monitoring Hunt’s situation with a view to borrowing him.

Hunt and fellow rookie Sam Adekugbe received praise from boss Chris Hughton for their displays in the 2-0 FA Cup victory against MK Dons.

Hughton said: “The two young full-backs did very well. Rob is the one that has trained with the first team more than Sam but I thought they both gave good, 90-minute performances.”

Hughton is also pleased to have got a game into Connor Goldson before he deputises at centre-half for the suspended Lewis Dunk at Preston on Saturday.

He said: “It was important for Connor. Both him and Uwe (Huenemeier) are very good trainers. They were able to get through 90 minutes really well.”

Hughton made 11 changes against MK Dons and some of the shadow side will be used again in the under-21s in the last 16 of the Checkatrade Trophy at Coventry tomorrow night.

The tie at the Ricoh Arena may mark Rosenior’s comeback from four-and-a-half months out with an ankle injury.

Albion are ball No.9 in this evening’s FA Cup fourth round draw. Their progress means the league game at home to Newcastle, scheduled for January 28, has to be rearranged.