Brentford boss Scott Fitzgerald has praised keeper Nathan Abbey for keeping his cool after being hit by a coin in Saturday's vital 1-0 home victory over Brighton - but refuses to say whether he will keep his place now Stuart Nelson and Clark Masters are fit.

Nelson, out of action for four months since injuring his ankle in training, played in the reserves' 0-0 friendly draw with Conference side Grays Athletic at the Brentford training ground on Tuesday.

Masters has also recovered from injury, although he was curtailed by illness at the weekend.

Fitzgerald said: "It is great to have Nelson back and Clark has fully recovered from his knee injury.

"If he shakes off the tonsillitis that has troubled him this week, we should have three keepers to choose from for the trip to Huddersfield on Saturday and the visit of North-ampton on Monday.

"Stuart might not be fully match fit, but I know what he is capable of and Clark is a great prospect.

"But Nathan has shown great form and I was impressed with the calm way he reacted after a fan from the Brighton end hit him with a coin."

Abbey complained to referee Keith Hill after a coin struck the back of his head.

He said: "Sometimes you get morons who do something like that. It is a shame for Brighton that a few people let down their club."

Fitzgerald has brought in Colchester defender Garry Rich-ards on a one-month loan, a further boost for a Bees squad buzzing after two straight wins.

Richards shone in Saturday's triumph, as did stand-in skipper Andrew Frampton and youngster John Mousinho, whose contract has been extended until summer 2008.

Having seen his side lose just one in their past five matches, Fitzgerald said: "The players are starting to believe in themselves, and they should do because they are good players.

"We have freshened it up by bringing in players who have not seen the bad run."

The Bees displayed more confidence from the start against their visitors from the south coast, keen to build on the 3-1 victory at Blackpool the previous week.

Joe Keith had a chance when a poor clearance from Brighton keeper Michel Kuipers fell to him 35 yards out, but his rushed shot was wide of the open goal.

The lively Kuffour grabbed what proved the winner just past the half-hour mark, latching on to Shipperley's through ball and firing past Kuipers.

Brentford's task was made easier when Brighton left-back Kerry Mayo was dismissed for his second yellow card on the stroke of half-time.

Fitzgerald was quick to pay tribute to his in-form striker, saying: "I work with Jo every day and he can be whatever he wants to be. He is the most talented footballer here.

"Shipperley's arrival has taken a lot of weight off his shoulders and they are forming a fine partnership.

"Neil is using his experience to offer advice, win the ball and lay it off."

Brentford now face two tough games in 48 hours, with Monday's match against Northampton will be live on Sky.

Fitzgerald claimed his side had shown enough in recent matches to inspire confidence they would survive the drop.

He said: "I took the job on because I thought we would get out of it.

"I am always looking forward and I think performances have got better, as have results."

Brentford: Abbey; Wilson, Richards, Frampton, Tillen; Ide, Mousinho, Leary (O'Connor, 64mins), Keith; Kuffour, Shipperley (Willock, 83mins). Subs unused: Masters, Brooker, Willock, Osborne. Att: 7023.

l Darius Charles has joined Crawley Town on loan until the end of April.

l Paul Brooker's superb goal at Swindon Town last April is one of five shortlisted for the Mitre Goal of the Year award, to be presented at the Football League Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on March 4.