DOUG Loft has not given up hope of another extension to his Albion career.

The energetic midfielder’s future was in doubt at the end of last season, after only two first team starts, until former manager Dean Wilkins awarded him a one-year contract.

Loft will face the same situation in a few months time. He has started just two games under Micky Adams so far, the last of them in the Carling Cup giantkilling of Manchester City on penalties at Withdean in September.

Loft, on target for the reserves yesterday in a 4-2 defeat away to Millwall, said: “I started the season quite strongly and I thought I did well in the Manchester City game.

“Results have not been going well so the gaffer has been going with some of the more experienced players, which is understandable.

“I’ll just keep my head down, keep on working hard and hopefully get to play in some more games.

“My contract is up at the end of the season. I spoke to the gaffer the other day and he told me I am in his plans.

“He has been happy with me when I have played and I would still like to be here. I enjoy it, it’s just about getting a run of games in the team really.”

Loft replicated Jonathan Greening’s goal for West Brom in the Premier League against Portsmouth on Sunday to briefly provide the prospect of a comeback by the reserves at Millwall’s Beckenham training ground.

He reacted quickest in the 55th minute to nod in the rebound after Tommy Fraser curved a 20-yard free-kick against the upright.

Albion trailed 2-1 at that stage but an inexperienced defence, which included 18-year-old Arsenal trialist Rennie Steer at leftback, had no answer to the impressive movement and finishing of Ashley Grimes, who celebrated his 22nd birthday with all four goals for Millwall.

Grimes – no relation to the pale former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland winger of the same name – was reunited with Lions' chief Kenny Jackett in the summer.

Jackett brought him to South London from Manchester City, where he used to be youth team coach.

Grimes has now scored 16 goals for Millwall's reserves this season and two in two substitute appearances for the first team.

He caught Albion cold in the third minute, slotting the rebound after John Sullivan parried his initial effort.

Grimes doubled the Seagulls' deficit in the 26th minute, cleverly working the ball onto his right foot for a shot into the roof of the net.

Albion's Loft-inspired fightback was shortlived. Grimes completed his hat-trick with another stylish finish on 66 minutes, then calmly added his and Millwall's fourth three minutes later after leaving Steve Cook on the seat of his pants.

Fraser, booked for dissent, scored a consolation for Albion seven minutes from time with a low drive in off the far post after combining with Jake Robinson.