Jake Wright has welcomed defensive colleague Jim McNulty back to the fray, even if it means they will be battling for a place.

McNulty got through 69 minutes of Tuesday evening’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat at Leyton Orient, operating at left-back with Wright as the left-sided central defender.

The Seagulls were never in danger of conceding during that time, though a late burst of O’s pressure eventually led to Adrian Patulea firing the winner just after heading against the bar.

Wright has played at left-back, and not always looked comfortable, in the opening weeks of the season.

McNulty’s return could mean he faces even more of a fight for a place.

Or it could free him up to occupy what he admits is his favoured role.

Either way, the former Crawley man is delighted to see McNulty fully operational again after serious internal injuries which led to him having a kidney removed.

Wright said: “You can see Jim’s very good on the ball.

“He’s a team-mate as well so it’s good to see him back.

“He has been unlucky with injuries and he has been out for a long time.

“Obviously I want to be playing but it’s up to the gaffer.

“I played centre-half last year and it’s my best position but I’ll play anywhere.

“I like being in the middle doing tackles, blocking, getting rid of the ball.

“Full-backs are more footballing lads.

“I feel if I’m in the centre I can talk more and organise more.”

Albion wasted no time getting McNulty involved on Tuesday.

When the Seagulls kicked off they gave the ball straight back to Alan Navarro who, as a nice touch, immediately spread it wide to McNulty.

The returning full-back was therefore in the game inside five seconds and looked assured on the ball throughout.

Wright got in some super tackles and blocks alongside him and feels he is making great strides since his switch from the Blue Square premier.

He said: “I want to be playing at this level.

“I got the move and I want to be playing, whether it’s left-back or centre-half.

“I’m learning with every game and in training.

“Obviously I’m training with better players every day. It’s a lot harder, a lot quicker, “I feel, like I’m getting stronger and better on the ball.

“My whole game has come on in the two months I’ve been here.”

A genuine left-sided, left-footed centre-back could prove to be an asset for the Seagulls.

Whether they use him there remains to be seen.

But all options are handy with a challenging run of games coming up.