Alexis Nicolas today told Albion boss Mark McGhee: "I am ready to play at Crewe on Saturday."

The former Chelsea midfielder was scheduled for his first 90-minute run-out since returning from a knee ligament injury last night when the reserve match against Gillingham at Worthing was postponed.

But Nicolas, on the first team bench for the first time since coming back against Watford on Saturday, hopes he will get a starting place for the relegation six-pointer at Gresty Road.

He said: "I was extremely frustrated the reserve match was called off. It seems impossible for me to get 90 minutes at the moment. I was out for six weeks injured and have only managed 60 minutes football against Millwall in a reserve match since because of postponements.

"Before that I was mostly on the bench. I have hardly played this season.

"But I am ready to play against Crewe on Saturday. Even though I am not full match fit I have been training hard and have enough about me to be able to cope.

"I am not thinking of myself when I say this. I have put personal goals to one side.

"After all I pulled out of international squads with Cyprus earlier in the season even if it meant I could just be on the bench for Brighton. We will survive in the Championship and I feel I have a lot to offer."

The 23-year-old might be selected if Richard Carpenter (calf) is unavailable.

He said: "If Richard doesn't play it depends on whether the manager does a straight swap, midfielder for midfielder. I will respect his decision whatever it is.

"What matters is Albion. I love the club, the lads and the fans and want to do my best for them."

It was thought the influential Carpenter would be sidelined for five weeks after limping out of Saturday's defeat against Watford. with a calf injury in the warm up.

That would have sidelined him for a tough run of four vital matches which include three away.

But a scan has revealed there was no torn muscle tissue and he could put him in line for Crewe.

Winger Seb Carole was expected to return to training today after having having a scan on a troublesome ankle injury.

Suspended Albion defender Paul McShane, on loan from Manchester United, was yesterday called up for the Republic of Ireland under-21s squad to face Sweden in a friendly in Drogheda next Tuesday.

It will be his fourth cap following appearances against Israel, Switzerland and Cyprus.

He said: "As I am suspended for the next two Albion games after getting ten bookings it makes sure I get a game to keep up my match fitness.

"Hopefully I'll play well and show I'm worth a place in the senior squad like Wayne Henderson. It's a good opportunity."