IF training is anything to go by then Brighton can expect a serious backlash from Ipswich Town tomorrow.Blues boss Joe Royle has been pleased with how his squad has reacted this week on the practice pitches, but is looking for them to prove Sunday's dismal 2-0 defeat at Sunderland was just a one-off.

By Derek Davis

IF training is anything to go by then Brighton can expect a serious backlash from Ipswich Town tomorrow.

Blues boss Joe Royle has been pleased with how his squad has reacted this week on the practice pitches, but is looking for them to prove Sunday's dismal 2-0 defeat at Sunderland was just a one-off.

Royle said: “The training has been outstanding this week and that tells you everything.

“There was an anger and a frustration which they needed to get out and that is all you can hope for.

“It doesn't happen too often as football is not an exact science - even Arsenal lose once in every 60 games.”

Although Albion are 18 places below Town in the Championship, Royle is aware that they have won four away games, including 1-0 wins at West Ham and Leicester City.

Royle said: “We will respect them as they have an excellent away record. We have been strong at home and we will be going for them.

“We will be looking to win the game but most of all put a performance together, which we didn't do at Sunderland.”

The Blues have a full-strength side with Tommy Miller and Dean Bowditch both included as they recover sufficiently from elbow and ankle injuries.

Royle said: “They both trained and are both fine. Tommy is a little tender but is getting better every day.”

Brighton manager Mark McGhee will have skipper Danny Cullip back in the side after a one-match ban, while veteran striker Steve Claridge could start up front alongside Leon Knight.

Royle appreciates that McGhee has had a difficult task with no money.

He said: “A lot of clubs in this division, like Brighton and Rotherham, can tread water for so long but even in this division you have to move on.

“They have lost some of their best players and it is hard to replace them. There is not the finance in the game. Even the loan market is drying up. I'm not being patronising when I say this, but the likes of Brighton and Rotherham will be doing very well to survive in this league.”

Former Wolves and Millwall manager McGhee is hoping his away-day strategy will come up trumps again at Portman Road.

He said: “I've got no fears. We will give a good account of ourselves at Ipswich.

“We are a not a free-scoring team and have to work hard to get a goal, so if we lose a goal early we are really up against it.

“We don't look like a team at the moment who are going to score two or three goals.

“We have got to rely on the little bit of fortune we had at West Ham for the first 20 minutes, defend well and work hard. I know our shortcomings, but I am still going into this game thinking we can win.

“There are times in your career as a manager when you are wondering how you can win a game, but I don't feel like that at all, I feel quite upbeat about our chances.”

Converted striker Adam Virgo, who is the Seagulls' top-scorer with four, is serving a three-match ban, while Darren Currie will battle it out with Knight and Claridge for a starting berth up front.