Albion manager Micky Adams has warned Tommy Elphick that an immediate return to the team is not a foregone conclusion.

Elphick faces competition from Adam El-Abd for a spot in the centre of defence, with Adam Virgo suspended for Friday’s home game against MK Dons. Elphick missed only his third match of the season when he was rested for Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Oldham.

Virgo partnered Colin Hawkins and, after Virgo was sent-off early in the second half, El-Abd dropped back from midfield. He did a sterling job to help the ten men come away with a point and that has presented Adams with a selection poser.

“Tommy was disappointed but I think it was the right thing to do,” Adams said. “We are leaking goals and I felt he needed a rest.

“Adam El-Abd went back there and did magnificently. I don’t want people feeling they are going to just walk straight back into the team.”

Adams believes there is better to come from Stuart Fleetwood in his second month at the club.

The Seagulls are keeping hold of the Charlton striker after his loan spell ended with Saturday's 1-1 draw at Oldham.

Fleetwood came on in the second half at Boundary Park for Glenn Murray, who twisted an ankle after equalising with his 11th goal of the season.

Adams said: “Stuart did a fantastic job and got forward at times when he could. His record suggests he is capable of scoring goals.”