Ben Roberts faces a fight to be fit for Albion's opening match at Reading on Saturday.

The Seagulls' No. 1 lasted only 45 minutes in Saturday's 2-2 friendly draw at Cambridge United.

Roberts has not recovered from a nagging back problem. Michel Kuipers, who took over in the second half, could now replace him for the trip to the Madejski Stadium.

Manager Mark McGhee said: "Ben was being troubled by his back. He felt fine in the warm-up but, once the game got under way and he was kicking, it just got worse and worse.

"It is a concern. The consolation is that Michel is in great form and as fit as I have seen him. The concern will be what we do about the second goalie if Ben is not fit."

Albert Jarrett, 19, signed a three-year contract after Saturday's match.

The former MK Dons winger set up fellow newcomer and second half substitute Maheta Molango for a 59th minute equaliser as Albion recovered from 2-0 down at half-time.

Jarrett said: "It gives me security and time to learn.

"It was a bit of a roller coaster at Wimbledon. I believe I have the ability, but other things in and around the club affected me and the way I performed.

"Sometimes behaviour came into it, but I have learnt my lesson and I am lucky to get another chance in the First Division."

McGhee will decide on his line-up for Saturday after watching Reading's friendly against Manchester City tonight. "I will have them prepared and hard to beat," he said.