Anthony Rougier can do nothing about Albion's result at Grimsby tomorrow, other than place his considerable faith in his former team-mates.

The Born Again Christian could, however, influence the outcome of the other match which matters to the Seagulls' survival hopes.

Rougier expects to be involved in Reading's game at Stoke after scoring at Watford on Wednesday, but the muscular Trinidad and Tobago international is not holding his breath.

He is despondent about a lack of opportunities since his successful month on loan with Albion, during which he scored twice and was directly responsible for two own goals in the Seagulls' favour.

He wanted to stay at Withdean, but Reading manager Alan Pardew insisted he returned to the Madejski Stadium for the promotion run-in.

"I came back with a lot of favourable reviews," said Rougier. "As much as I really fought to stay at Brighton, with the aid of Steve Coppell, Alan Pardew wasn't having it at all.

"I thought I would be involved somewhere along the line. It hasn't happened that way and I am very disappointed. Reserve games are never the same.

"The Watford game was my first for Reading since January. I had not even made the bench since then, so to score and for us to win the game comfortably was pleasing.

"I felt like a replacement, but at least I have given them something to think about.

"I wouldn't be surprised if I don't play at Stoke but I want to, specifically to get involved in the play-offs and to do well for Brighton because of what they have done for me.

"It's difficult to put into words how much I enjoyed it down there and how much it did for me to fill a space I needed to fill.

"I needed to be playing games. I thank God I had the opportunity to play for Brighton and revive myself. That's what it did for me.

"It wasn't a confidence boost because I am confident anyway and know what I can do. It was the opportunity to play games and to play well."

Rougier certainly did that. A debut winner within minutes of coming off the bench in the home game against Millwall established an instant rapport with the fans.

He fitted smoothly into the dressing room and a farewell goal at Ipswich earned Albion another precious point.

"It would hurt me very much to see Brighton go down," Rougier said. "I played a big part there and felt very close to everyone.

"I believe they are more than capable of staying up. They have showed that and now they can follow it through. Trust me, they will.

"I am confident they will win at Grimsby, because they have to. They have come too far to turn back now."

Victory for Albion at Blundell Park will count for nothing if Reading fail to win at the Britannia Stadium.

Rougier, formerly with Stoke's arch enemies Port Vale, has already scored against the Seagulls' relegation rivals this season in a 1-1 draw at the Madejski Stadium.

"Every opportunity I get I will give everything I've got," he vowed. "Even if I am not involved I will be pushing my team-mates to do their best.

"Every two minutes in training I'll be whispering in their ears 'Come on boys, you can do it!'

"Brighton have a special place in my heart and we have got to play our part. We want to win every game going into the play-offs."

If Reading, who also have ex-Seagull Steve Sidwell in their ranks, fulfill their half of the saving equation then Rougier's thoughts will turn immediately to the result at Grimsby.

"As soon as the game is over I will be on the phone to my wife and in front of a TV to see what's happened," he said.

"I miss Brighton and the people. They were very warm to me and my family.

"I look forward to them still being in the First Division next season."