Mark McGhee insisted today he harbours no hard feelings over Dan Harding's decision to join Leeds.

Harding returns to Withdean on Saturday for the first time since his summer switch to the Yorkshire giants.

Albion boss McGhee believes the former England under-21 leftback can expect "mild abuse" from Seagulls supporters if he features in the Leeds line-up but says he fully understands his reasons for moving to Elland Road.

"The boy was quite entitled to better himself. What we have got to do is try to find ways of making sure that doesn't happen.

"That is our responsibility, not to fall out with people who want to better themselves.

"We've got to accept that if players become good players they are going to be offered better deals than we can give them."

Albion youth team product Harding was out of contract when he moved to Leeds in July.

A transfer tribunal ordered United to pay the Seagulls £450,000 in two installments six months apart for the 22-year-old.

The figure could rise to over £850,000 if Harding makes regular appearances for Leeds, they are promoted to the Premiership, he becomes a full international and is eventually sold on.

McGhee said of the fee: "Given all the circumstances it was absolutely fine. That was important to us. We would have been a bit peeved if we hadn't been looked after but I think it was fair."

Harding is facing a battle to regain his place from former Southampton defender Stephen Crainey following a foot injury.