Albion's out-of-favour defender Andrew Whing could make his first League One appearance for almost a year tomorrow after linking up with Russell Slade again at Leyton Orient.

The Seagulls’ former player of the season has joined the East Londoners on loan until January 3 and is available for their home game against Rochdale.

Whing’s last League One outing for Albion was 11 months ago at Norwich. The 26-year-old Brummie has lost out at right-back to Spaniard Inigo Calderon and ended last season on loan to League Two Chesterfield.

His only appearance so far this season was in the Carling Cup exit at Northampton in August.

Ex-Albion chief Slade is glad to have the versatile Whing as a player again to try to help his side ease clear of the relegation zone.

“Andy’s a really good type so I’m pleased,” Slade said. “He can play right-back, left-back or centre-back so he’ll be a useful acquisition at this stage of the season.”

The loan agreement prevents Whing from playing against Albion at Withdean on New Year’s Day and in Orient’s FA Cup derby away to Dagen-ham and Red-bridge a week tomorrow.