Albion manager Mark McGhee today targeted February as the key to Championship survival.

The Seagulls face six-pointers against several of their fellow strugglers next month, by which time McGhee will know to what extent he has been able to strengthen his squad in the transfer window.

But he is also refusing to write off a daunting January if he can land the trio of outfield players - two strikers and a central midfielder - he is after.

Albion resume the fight to avoid relegation against third-placed Leeds at Withdean on Saturday following four straight defeats, the most recent in the FA Cup at home to Coventry.

They visit second-placed Sheffield United a week later, then entertain eighth-placed Burnley at the end of a month launched by a narrow setback on New Year's Day at South-ampton.

"On the back of the defeats we've had it can become a long run of defeats, so we have got to be careful that we maintain our performance," McGhee said.

"As long as there is still spirit and attitude and we are playing all right then we can get ourselves through to February when Coventry, Leicester, Norwich, Watford and Crewe are all games that are going to be really important in terms of us having any chance of getting out of it.

"That's not to say we cannot take points in January if we can make the signings we want this month."

Meanwhile, Albion have missed out on a French central midfielder they were hoping to sign as a replacement for the injured Charlie Oatway.

Coach Dean White had to abandon a scouting trip to watch the player concerned when the Seagulls discovered he has now been bought by a top flight French club.

Adam Hinshelwood makes his first appearance in public tonight since suffering serious knee damage nine months ago.

The central defender plays for the Reserves against Reading at Worthing (7pm) after a run-out against Le Havre under-21s in a training ground friendly last week.

Hinshelwood ironically sustained his injury in the first team clash against Reading at Withdean in March.

Midfield trialist Doug Loft from Hastings is also in the side along with goalkeeper Michel Kuipers, who has lost his first team place to Florent Chaigneau.

Argentinian striker Frederico Turienzo returns from the hamstring injury which cut short his full first team debut at Luton over Christmas.

Albion Reserves: Kuipers; T Elphick, Hinshelwood, G Elphick, Rents; Robinson, Carey, Loft, Jarrett; McCammon, Turienzo. Subs: Sullivan, Cox, Fraser, May, Gatting.