Albion boss Dean Wilkins today revealed Nathan Elder's aerial power has edged him closer to his first start.

Elder impressed the manager with the way he put himself about towards the end of Saturday's goalless draw at Bloomfield Road.

He was brought on during the closing stages in place of Alex Revell, the latest in several substitute appearances for the former Billericay striker since his December move to the Seagulls.

Wilkins, who criticised Revell and Bas Savage for not being competitive enough in the air, said: "The one thing Nathan did as soon as he came on was win a couple of headers.

"He has now got to a stage where, if we are really trying to nick a goal, he is gaining in confidence and in ability to compete for balls going into the box."

Elder, likely to be on the bench again against leaders Scunthorpe at Withdean on Saturday, has another chance to catch Wilkins' eye in the Reserves against Bognor in the semi-finals of the Sussex Senior Cup at Worthing tonight (7.30pm).

He scored twice against Southampton last week to take his tally for the Reserves to five goals. The line-up also includes Chris Breach, who has just returned from a three-month loan spell with Bognor.

Albion Reserves: Kuipers; P. Hinshelwood, Elphick, Breach, Bakayogo, Rents, Loft, Frutos, Hart, Elder, Gatting. Subs: Sullivan, Gargan, Martin, Cobbs, Skinner.