Albion manager Mark McGhee revealed today he has apologised to his players for their latest defeat.

McGhee took the unusual step of calling them in on Sunday and giving them yesterday off following the 3-2 setback at home to Queens Park Rangers.

McGhee blamed himself for not making changes earlier in the second half at Withdean on Saturday, when the Seagulls were 2-1 ahead.

"I thought it was important for us not to all go home and stew," McGhee said.

"I didn't want to be thinking about it all weekend, so I got them in on Sunday. I felt I owed them an apology and I wanted to do that as quickly as possible.

"One of the reasons I didn't make changes earlier is because I have such belief in these boys. That is not a bad thing.

"We finished training with a seven-a-side. We all joined in, myself, Bob Booker and Dean White, and got it out of our systems. Now it is done and dusted and we go again at Gillingham on Saturday."

Guy Butters has not given up hope of being fit to face his old club at the Priestfield Stadium after missing the Rangers match with torn muscle fibres in his left calf.

The veteran centre half said: "I am still aware of it, but it feels a lot better than it did. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be alright."

Richard Carpenter, another of Albion's ex-Gills, continues his comeback from injury in a benefit match at Littlehampton tonight (7.45) along with Charlie Oatway and Simon Rodger.

The game is in aid of Scott Hinshelwood, the 24-year-old son of Albion's director of football Martin Hinshelwood, who suffered a serious knee injury playing for Littlehampton last season.