Albion could be based in the North East for several days next month after drawing Middlesbrough away in the second round of the Carling Cup.

If the tie is played on Wednesday September 24 then boss Steve Coppell will push for the Seagulls to stay in the area, as they visit Hartlepool in the League three days later.

A Wednesday date may not suit Boro, however, since they face a long trip themselves on Saturday September 27 away to Southampton in the Premiership.

Coppell said: "As far as I am concerned it is a great draw, except for the geography. It is a nice ground, we will have nothing to lose and it will be good experience for all the players."

Albion No. 1 Ben Roberts is looking forward to the journey to the Riverside Stadium more than most. He had 12 years with Middlesbrough from the age of 13 and played for them in both the League and FA Cup finals.

Roberts said: "I have good memories of my time there so, being selfish, it is a good draw, but for the team I would have preferred a Third Division side at home. I supported Boro and their's is still the first result I look for."

The Seagulls will not appeal against the red card for Nathan Jones in last week's Carling Cup victory at Bristol Rovers.

Meanwhile, the club are still locked in talks with Andrei Kanchelskis and his agent after offering the East Grinstead based former Manchester United winger a three month contract.

Coppel; said: "They have asked us to tweak the offer and we are just looking at that."