Albion boss Micky Adams has played down fears that Adam Virgo's return signals an attempt by the club to cash in on two of their brightest prospects.

Young centre halves Tommy Elphick and Joel Lynch now face competition from both the versatile Virgo and fellow summer capture Colin Hawkins from Coventry, prompting fans to speculate over their futures.

Adams said: "I can assure people that it is as far from the truth as it could be. Young players need competition and role models.

"We've had no bids for Tommy or Joel. They are in the melting pot, like everybody else.

"It would be stupid of me to think we have got two young centre halves who are going to take us through the whole season, because that isn't going to happen."

Virgo, as revealed by The Argus three weeks ago, has rejoined the Seagulls on a free transfer from Celtic.

The 25-year-old, signed on a two-year contract, joined Hawkins and Albion's other newcomer so far, former Colchester left winger Kevin McLeod, for the start of pre-season training yesterday, three years after leaving for Celtic in a £1.5 million deal.

Adams, who has worked with Virgo before at Albion, Coventry and Colchester, said: "I like him as a character more than anything but I think a fully fit and enthusiastic Adam Virgo is a real asset to a club like Brighton.

"If he can replicate what he did in his first spell then we have got a player relatively cheap.

"I've said I am looking to bring in players that have appeared in the Championship, because that is what we are all striving for.

"Hawkins, McLeod and now Adam have experienced that, so League One shouldn't daunt them."

More new signings are anticipated before Albion launch their League One campaign at Crewe on August 9.

"I am working on another couple of things, possibly another two or three players coming in," said Adams.

"You would like them to be here for the first day of pre-season but it doesn't always work like that, so you have just got to go along with the timescale and be nice and relaxed about it."

One old face was training with Albion yesterday. Gary Hart, released by the Seagulls at the end of last season, has attracted interest from Blue Square premier club Cambridge United.