Albion manager Mark McGhee today challenged Kerry Mayo to prove he is worth another contract.

Long-serving Mayo's future with the Seagulls is in the balance after talks with McGhee about a new deal.

The versatile defender has until the end of the season, when his current contract runs out, to show he deserves to stay.

McGhee revealed: "I have told Kerry he has still got a chance of getting a contract. He is in the shake-up but he still has work to do.

"He has not been in the team and when he is it is up to him to take his chance."

Mayo, 27, has made only one start since October but he is in contention to replace the out-of-form Dan Harding at leftback for the Boxing Day visit of Gillingham.

Former trainee Mayo has made more than 300 appearances in all competitions for Albion since signing in August 1995.

Twelve other players, including Michel Kuipers, Leon Knight, Adam Hinshelwood, Guy Butters, Charlie Oatway and Paul Reid, are also out of contract in the summer.

Ben Roberts, Richard Carpenter, Gary Hart, Nathan Jones, Paul Watson and Harding are in the same situation. McGhee will speak to them all by January 1.

Albion's relegation rivals Nottingham Forest have signed Millwall striker Neil Harris on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

In the Championship last night, Ipswich went top of the table after Darren Bent hit a late winner to sink former leaders Wigan 2-1 at Portman Road.