Former Albion No.1 Mark Walton has been warned to expect another hostile reception from fans at Withdean.

He was heckled throughout the Seagulls' 2-0 win against Cardiff in the LDV Vans Trophy in December.

Liz Costa, vice-chair of the supporters' club, is predicting a similar barrage of abuse when Walton returns with the Welshmen for Saturday's sell-out promotion clash.

"It will be much the same," said Costa. "He threw a wobbly when he played for us and demanded out because he didn't like the crowd. If you turn on a crowd they will turn back at you. That's the way football supporters are. He is going to be in for some stick and he has brought it on himself.

"I feel sorry for him in some ways, because he is a good keeper when he is on form. But he is moody and I'm glad we are rid of him."

Kurt Nogan, Cardiff's former Albion hotshot, is backing Walton to cope with the Withdean boo boys.

"It won't affect Mark at all," Nogan said. "He has been around a long time.

"He got a lot of stick from the fans the last time. I think that is because he had a verbal agreement with Micky Adams that he would re-sign for Brighton.

"But his move had nothing to do with money. It was a case of coming back home for him.

"The Brighton fans are probably just upset at losing a good keeper. He has been doing well for us."

The transfer-listed Nogan does not expect to repeat his rare appearance in the LDV Vans Trophy tie between the teams.

"I am back to square one," he said. "I've not even been travelling.

"I had a chance to go on loan to a Second Division team, but I turned it down because it was too far away.

"Hopefully we will be in the Second Division next season along with Brighton."