STUART Tuck admits he still can't bear to watch his beloved Albion in action.

But, more than a year after injury forced him to walk away from his home town club, the Brighton-born defender is ready to lace up his boots again and chase promotion with Worthing.

Tuck, who turned 25 in October, signed on non-contract terms with the Rebels on Monday night after watching them beat Leyton Pennant 3-0.

He hopes to make his debut at lowly Harlow tomorrow as Worthing chase a fourth win in five Ryman League outings.

Tuck has only been to see the Seagulls once since persistent injuries ended his professional career just nine games short of a century of League appearances.

He admitted: "No disrespect to the lads down there now, but I just couldn't bring myself to watch them.

"Leaving the Albion was the worst day of my life and I've been through a few ups and downs since then.

"When I packed up I didn't really want to know that much about football.

"I've only seen one game, against Plymouth in the cup this season. I really wanted to play for Brighton when they came back to the town so it's painful to watch them at Withdean.

"But time's a great healer and, although I know I won't stand up to professional football, I want to give it a go again with Worthing."

Tuck's arrival could not have come at a better time for Rebels, who are showing signs of relaunching their promotion push in Division One.

They have taken ten points out of the last 12 and are in the middle of a run of six matches against sides in the lower reaches of the table.

Tuck believes he can offer versatility to the Rebels squad, though, with Mark Knee sidelined by a broken leg, he is likely to be used at left-back.

Worthing's defence also includes former Millwall star Damian Webber and seasoned non-League campaigners Guy and Miles Rutherford and Lee Cox, so there's no lack of experience at the back for Sammy Donnelly's side.

Webber had to give up the rigours of daily training because of injury and he played a part in persuading Tuck that the step down to non-League football could be a rewarding one.

Tuck added: "I know quite a few of the lads down here, including Damian as well as Simon Funnell from when he was at the Albion.

"I've had a few inquiries since I packed up and I've spoken to Sammy quite a few times over the last year. He's been brilliant in the way he kept in touch.

"You never know, I might only have one match and then find I can't play again for a month.

"But I've kept myself pretty fit and I can't wait to get back out there again."

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