Guy Butters has backed Albion's youngsters to battle their way out of relegation trouble.

The veteran centre half insists the rookie Seagulls have already proved they have what it takes to survive.

Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by fellow strugglers Millwall was the fifth in succession in League One and third at Withdean. One point from the last 18 has transformed Albion from play-off contenders into relegation candidates but Butters, deputising as captain for the suspended Dean Hammond, is confident the current squad can stay up.

He said: "We went through a sticky patch before, turned that around and went unbeaten. It's the same players. We have added to the squad if anything, so we know we can do it.

"Hopefully it will happen sooner rather than later but we are not too downbeat at the moment. We know we have got a good enough squad to turn it on."

Albion are trying to sign up to three experienced players before the close of the January transfer window. Butters believes they should not lose faith in the kids. He said: "How do you get experience? You have got to play games. It's a learning curve for a lot of the young lads.

"They had a tremendous first half of the season and you cannot fault them really. This sort of thing is going to happen.

"There were a lot of games over Christmas and a lot of them have come out of the youth team and are playing against seasoned pros. They have showed this season they can more than match them. You have these blips and I am not sure whether you bring in experienced players.

"Yes, they have been around a bit but it is going to take a while for them to gel. If the manager feels that is the way to go then that's the way to go."