Matt Richards today admitted Albion have given him a massive help towards a place in the Championship.

The former Seagulls loanee was an unused sub for Ipswich at Coventry on Saturday and is in the squad to face West Brom today (Tuesday).

Ipswich kept tabs on Richards' form in Sussex and he believes that has helped his cause.

He said: "I'm fortunate Brighton helped me kick start my career again. I owe a lot to the team there and to the coaches.

"I had a great time there and they play some great football.

"The staff at Ipswich have been keeping track of how I got on.

"They know how I have been playing at Brighton and hopefully they have seen my performances improved the more games I had."

Albion would love to see Richards back at Withdean but he has made it clear his priority is to stake a claim at Portman Road, where he has 18 months left on his contract.

Even if he fails, the Seagulls could face a fight for his signature.

Richards admits Albion would be high on his list if he had to move and added: "There are a couple of other things I've heard about but nothing concrete as yet."

George O'Callaghan was not named in the initial 19-man party for the Baggies' visit.