Paul McShane gave Albion a parting boost today by backing their bid to bounce straight back into the Championship next season.

The on-loan Manchester United centre half says he would put money on the Seagulls coping with the rough and tumble of League One.

McShane experienced League One during a previous spell on loan at Walsall.

He played in four games before getting injured but saw enough to convince him Albion are equipped to repeat their promotion via the play-offs under Mark McGhee two seasons ago.

"In those four games it was a battle, that is what you have got to expect down in League One," said McShane.

"It's very physical, a tough league but I'd put money on them bouncing back up.

"We've given some great performances this year, it's just been unfortunate that we got relegated."

McShane misses Albion's final Championship fixture at home to Stoke on Sunday after surgery in Manchester yesterday on a hernia problem which troubled him throughout an outstanding campaign for the Seagulls.

The young Irishman could still put in an appearance at Withdean, as he is hot favourite to collect the player of the season award.

Joe Gatting leads the attack for a young Albion Reserves line-up against Wycombe at Worthing tonight (7pm).

Albion Reserves (from): Sullivan; Winterton; May, Elphick, Fraser, Cobbs, Carey, Loft, Rents, Cox, Gatting, Garvan, P. Hinshelwood, Chamberlain.