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" He is somebody I would have liked to have kept at the club permanently, so we're disappointed to lose him. He has been outstanding for us, not only as a right-back but also filling in at centre-back. As a footballer, a person and a character he was everything we wanted at the club. He's a good lad with a good work ethic and he fitted in well with everybody.
" But there are one or two players that can play there. It's one of those things. You get disappointments and setbacks, but I always think it's how you bounce back. It's up to the other players in or around the squad to grasp the opportunity and keep the shirt. Dean Hammond has done some training today and and we just need to see how quickly he recovers from that. It's down to how Dean feels, I'm sure he will be available for Saturday, but it depends how big a part he plays. "
Meanwhile Hammond commented on his potential comeback from a stomach bug tomorrow, as well as the fact that a booking against Carlisle would mean him missing the FA Cup trip to West Ham a week later :
" If I'm selected I won't be jumping out of any tackles, don't worry about that. If I miss the West Ham game, I miss it. It doesn't matter. You just have to concentrate on the next game you are playing in. I think I have recovered pretty well. I lost a few pounds in weight but I've started eating again. Fingers crossed I'll be fit. "
In team news for the Seagulls nine-goal midfielder, and skipper, Hammond looks set to return after his stomach bug problem. In defence Adam El-Abd may be the man to take over from Whing at right-back, although Gary Hart or Kerry Mayo would also be available to play in that position. Meanwhile centre-back Adam Hinshelwood is struggling with a knee injury, and on-loan striker Dean Bowditch has returned to parent club Ipswich for three weeks of rehabilitation on his groin problem. In disciplinary issues Dean Cox and Mayo both face the same risk as Hammond as they would miss the FA Cup clash at West Ham if they pick up a fifth caution on Saturday.
The referee for tomorrow's match is Pat Miller from Flitwick in Bedfordshire, and he will be assisted down the lines by Steve Rubery from Gants Hill in Essex and Keith Yeo from Aveley, again in Essex. Meanwhile the fourth official will be Ian Bentley from West Wickham in Kent.