Albion could be facing more disappointment in the quest to keep their play-off pushing squad together.

Matt Richards, the left-back they hope to bring back from Ipswich, is waiting on a recall at the Championship outfit.

Richards, who impressed in a recent loan spell at Albion, was called on to the bench by injury-hit Ipswich at Coventry on Saturday and is reckoned to be in the running for a start against leaders West Brom on Tuesday.

George O'Callaghan, whose loan from Ipswich has expired, has told the Seagulls he will not be rejoining them.

The outspoken Irishman is also hoping for a call to the squad to face the Baggies as fellow midfielder Tommy Miller serves a one-game ban.

Bas Savage runs out of contract at Withdean tonight and David Martot's initial loan spell has also expired.

O'Callaghan missed his loan-ending game at Yeovil with a groin injury.

He said: "I enjoyed playing regularly at Brighton but I spoke with the gaffer and decided it is right to try again at Ipswich and try to get first team action.

"They are a good bunch of lads at Brighton and I enjoyed playing with them so I hope things work out for them."

Richards could complete his dramatic rise from outcast to first teamer at Portman Road after young full-back Chris Casement struggled in the Coventry defeat.

He said: "My main priority has to be playing for Ipswich. They are a great team and I want to be part of that.

"We had the day off yesterday (Sunday) so I won't know until today (Monday) but I am hoping to get on the bench and maybe on the pitch against West Brom.

"The time I had at Brighton was amazing and they will be high on the list if I end up going elsewhere."

O'Callaghan and Richards are both ineligible for next Saturday's FA Cup tie at home to Portsmouth, a fixture which might have given them a chance to impress.

A second club are also believed to be interested in Richards, who has 18 months of his current contract yet to run and would love to stay at Ipswich.