Nathan Jones today revealed his despair at being pushed on to the fringes since helping Albion win promotion last season.

Jones has started just one match this season despite being an almost constant fixture in the Seagulls side which earned a place in the Championship via the play-offs.

The midfielder made his only start in the 1-0 victory over Preston in August but has since been frozen out of the first team picture by Mark McGhee, with only two more subsititutes appearances to his name.

Jones, 31, said: "It has been very frustrating, especially after what happened last season.

"I have tried to be patient but I am desperate to play. It has had nothing to do with injuries because I have been fit for most of the season so to only start one game in 20 is really disappointing.

"I cannot work any harder in training to push my case. I feel I am good enough to be in the first team but I am not the one who makes the decision."

Jones made a comeback from a cut knee as a substitute in the 1-0 defeat against Burnley on Saturday, his first action since coming off the bench against Leicester at the end of August.

He proved his fitness for Saturday's trip to Ipswich by playing the full 90 minutes in the Reserves' 1-0 victory over Reading at the Madjeski Stadium yesterday.

Jones added: "I'm fully fit so I am hoping to be involved. It is a big game because Ipswich are playing well at the moment and are especially difficult to beat at home."