STUNNED Albion teenager Danny Davis is in contention for his first team debut.

The youth team midfielder thought he would be playing in front of just a few people at Sussex University tomorrow.

But boss Jeff Wood has drafted the 18-year-old from Seaford into the squad for the Seagulls' seaside showdown against struggling Southend at Roots Hall.

And he could be on the bench if Stuart Storer suffers a reaction to the groin injury which has ruled him out of the last two games.

Wood broke the unexpected news before training yesterday. "It came as a complete surprise," said Davis. "I thought I would be playing for the youth team at home to Reading.

"I have supported Brighton all my life, so this is a dream come true."

Davis, a three-goal ever-present in the youth team this season, impressed Wood in the reserves at Portsmouth on Monday.

He has been given his chance because Jeff Minton continues to be sidelined by ankle ligament damage and Wood needs an understudy for Paul Armstrong in the middle of midfield.

Youth team coach Dean Wilkins said: "It's a massive lift for Danny. He did very well at Portsmouth when we were down to ten men.

"He missed part of last season through injury, but he looks a lot stronger and fitter now.

"He has been keeping the ball better and competing better and he has become more confident and consistent. He'll do okay if he gets a chance."

An attack-minded Wood selects from a squad of 18 as Albion, beaten only once in their last ten away games in the League, bid to bounce back from the dismal home defeat by Exeter.

"It was three points lost last Saturday and we have got to put that right," he acknowledged. "It's a case of taking the game to Southend and being very positive."

Southend (probable): Margetson; Newman, Booty, Gooding, Hunter, Coleman, McGavin, Unger, Conlon, Rapley, Houghton. Subs: Burns, Maher, Harris.

Albion (from): Walton; Storer, Sturgess, Arnott, Johnson, Allan, Armstrong, Bennett, Hart, Barker, Culverhouse, Davies, Mayo, Browne, Hobson, Moralee, Davis, Ormerod.

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