Albion have been told they will have to work their socks off if they are to stun the Championship leaders.

The Seagulls are preparing for Saturday’s visit to a Southampton side who have won their last 19 games at St Mary’s in league and cup.

Now Albion have been warned of the goal threat posed by skipper Dean Hammond and his high- flyers.

Former Saints boss Dave Merrington, who watches his old club home and away, told The Argus: “If I was scouting Southampton my summary would be that if you don’t match their work rate and movement on and off the ball you will be in for a very difficult game. Jack Cork has really helped tighten them up in midfield.

“They are solid and they score goals from all over the pitch. Even when they go a goal down they don’t panic.”

The rivalry which developed between the clubs at the top of League One last season will help ensure a sell out crowd with Albion backed by about 3,000 fans Merrington added: “It will be a cracking atmosphere and both teams will expect a result.”

Albion defender Lewis Dunk will link up with his clubmates after tonight’s England under-21 clash with Belgium in Mons, where he will be hoping for a debut.

Dunk was an unused substitute when England beat Iceland 5-0 on Thursday.

Midfielder Jake Forster-Caskey joined up yesterday with England under-18s ahead of their friendly against Slovakia in Nitra on Wednesday afternoon.

Albion blocked on-loan defender Steve Cook from playing for Bournemouth in the FA Cup on Saturday to ensure he did not become cup-tied.