Nicky Forster wants to head off any talk of crisis by helping put Albion back on the winning trail at Withdean.

The Seagulls have lost two in a row on the road and three of their last four matches.

Allied to the departures of Matt Richards, George O'Callaghan and Bas Savage, plus memories of what happened a year ago, there has been every reason for supporters to start feeling a little nervous about what the rest of the campaign holds.

A first home win in almost two months, when improved Bournemouth visit today (Tuesday), will help no end in that.

Anything else and Forster knows the doubters will be out in force.

The Albion striker, who impressed in the 2-0 win at Dean Court in October, said: "This game is important on many fronts.

"It's important to get back to winning ways after a couple of defeats.

"It's important for the League position. We've got a game in hand over a lot of people and are six points off the play-offs.

"But it's also important for morale in the camp and to send out a message to the fans and everyone else that there isn't the crisis that people think there is.

"By any means, this is not a crisis.There are far worse things that happen in life than what is going around at the moment."

Dean Cox sent Albion in front when they won in Dorset and Bas Savage got the second, although George O'Callaghan also claimed a touch.

There will be no such arguments between O'Callaghan and Savage this time.

Forster, though, reckons Albion can overcome their recent personnel losses and points to the way he linked up with Alex Revell for the opener at Yeovil on Saturday.

The 12-goal hitman admitted: "The individuals who have left have given good quality in the months they have been here.

"We've lost some quality but we've got a squad that's together.

"When you get players who leave, as in Bas's case, or like George and Rico, whose loans have come to an end, that's when you need to call on your strength in depth.

"It started okay the other day. We scored a nice goal and linked up well, which is what we need to do.

"Al's been out a while so it's good to see him back and good to see him scoring. He's a very worthy replacement for Bas.

"We've got others waiting in the wings as well so we are by no means light as a squad."

It will be intriguing to see how the Seagulls use what remains of that squad.

Of the team which propelled them into the play-off positions, they have now lost O'Callaghan, Savage and Richards, with David Martot and probably Joel Lynch and Tommy Fraser out of the Bournemouth game.

Tommy Elphick and Guy Butters offer defensive presence and Doug Loft has made a strong case for inclusion in midfield after some decent substitute appearances in recent weeks, not least at Huish Park on Saturday.

Paul Reid has been in the 16 for a few weeks now and gives options on the right or in central midfield.

Jake Robinson, too, might feel he should start down the right.

Whatever happens, Forster recognises Albion were hustled out of their passing game after going ahead at Yeovil, both by the tricky pitch and an active home team.

He wants to see them impose themselves a lot more on their return home.

The former Reading striker, who admits he left the Madejski too long ago to know any of the Royals loan signings at Bourne-mouth, added: "This is an important time of the season, it really is.

"You start losing games and you soon drop back down.

"Fortunately, we haven't dropped too many places with two defeats but we can't afford to keep losing because you are then playing catch-up.

"You're much better being up there having played more games than being below with games in hand."

Can Albion get back on track against Bournemouth?