Jimmy McNulty has backed Albion for the play-offs as they prepare for life in the Championship.

The defender, who has signed a two-year deal with Barnsley and moves for an undisclosed fee, is convinced his old club have nothing to fear in the second tier.

McNulty, who was on loan at Championship strugglers Scunthorpe last season, said: “I genuinely believe Brighton will do well. I would be surprised if they do not make the play-offs.

“I had six months in the Championship and I saw every team. I felt Brighton were better than most of them.”

McNulty, whose two-and-half years with Albion have been blighted by injury, admitted: “The people here have made this my best time in football off the pitch but it has been my worst on it with all the injuries.”

McNulty added: “I feel like I will get a lot of games at Barnsley.

“If I’m being totally honest, I didn’t feel I would get that here.”

McNulty will have to wait a day longer than expected for his chance to play at The Amex.

Barnsley’s visit has, as expected, been put back to Sunday, November 6 (3pm) to avoid a clash with Bonfire Night celebrations in Lewes.

The visit of Leeds has been brought forward a day to Friday, September 23 (7.45pm) on police advice.

Albion will not play on Easter Monday. The trip to Reading has been moved to the following evening, Tuesday, April 10 (7.45pm).