Albion have secured the services of on-loan Coventry defender Andrew Whing for another month.

But former boss Micky Adams is keeping the Seagulls guessing about whether he will allow the rightback to leave the West Midlands for good.

Whing's second month on loan expires with next Tuesday's home game against Swansea. The extended deal keeps him on the south coast until the January transfer window, when Albion will be hoping to sign him permanently or hang onto him for the rest of the season.

Manager Dean Wilkins revealed: "It's being extended, so he is going to remain with us, then it's literally a case of taking it step by step.

"Once we get closer to the window then we'll try to talk some more, whether it's something we consider permanently or continue to the end of the season, but Micky is not quite ready to discuss that at the moment."

Whing, Guy Butters and Adam El-Abd are all banned for tomorrow's second round FA Cup tie against Stafford Rangers at Withdean.

Whing would not have played in any case, as Coventry do not want him Cup-tied. The same applies to Ipswich's Dean Bowditch, who is still sidelined by a groin problem, while Butters and El-Abd would also have been sidelined by injuries.

Charlton have given Albion permission to play 18-year-old right winger Alistair John and he is in contention for his full debut following substitute appearances in the last two matches.

Wilkins said: "I thought they would. He is a young lad and they have big squads at Premiership level.

"Whingy's position at Coventry and Dean's at Ipswich are totally different. Those two players are that much more experienced than Alistair, so I'm pleased but not particularly surprised. I can't say whether he'll start."

Wilkins and his staff are doing everything possible to guard the players against complacency after their 8-0 annihalation of Stafford's Conference rivals Northwich Victoria in round one.

His assistant Dean White watched Rangers win their first round replay at Maidenhead United.

"We've had them watched again since then and we have done as much homework as possible," Wilkins said. "We just have to make sure our preparation is right.

"On paper we should progress. The prospect of reaching the third round and drawing a big club is always there but that needs to be in the back of our minds, not the front."

Albion find out whether they will be facing Bristol City, Bristol Rovers or Shrewsbury in the southern section semi-finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy when the draw is made tomorrow morning.

Striker Alex Revell said: "I would like Bristol Rovers at home. A lot of people are saying Bristol City to hopefully get them out of the way but it is getting exciting, because we are not that far away now from the final.

"People look at the competition and wonder if it is worthwhile but if you get to the final it certainly is and we are well on our way."