SCOTT Cuthbert believes Andy Frampton has more than filled the hole in defence left by former Swindon captain Gordon Greer, who lines up against his old colleagues for Brighton tomorrow.

The 30-year-old Scot’s absence at the back has certainly played a big part in Town’s poor form for much of this season, but since the arrival of Paul Hart the pairing of Cuthbert and Frampton has looked solid – as proven by the record of just two goals conceded in the last four games.

Greer faces Swindon for the first time since leaving the club in a £250,000 summer move to the Withdean Stadium, and while Cuthbert is looking forward to coming up against his old friend, he is happy with his new partnership with Frampton.

“It has been publicised a lot over the course of the season that we have missed Gordon and I think to an extent that is right because we have perhaps missed a leader, someone who can talk a bit more,” the 23-year-old told the Advertiser.

“I think though since Frampton has come in the defence has looked a lot more solid, so maybe we were not missing Gordy so much but more that strong voice at the start.

“Framps is quite similar to Gordy in that he is quite loud and will tell you if you are not doing something right, but he will be the first to praise you as well and it is great to have something like that.”

Cuthbert is well aware that Greer will not make life easy for Town tomorrow, with the former Doncaster man having been a rock for the Seagulls this season and has been a major factor in their recent run of four clean sheets in six games.

“He is a great captain and a good guy off the park as well. He is from my area in Scotland as well so we have a lot of things in common,” added Cuthbert.

“He is a great player, when he signed for Brighton he was made captain straight away.

“He has been solid at the heart of defence and they are sitting at the top of the league so he has been brilliant and I am delighted for him.”

Meanwhile, Cuthbert received a welcome boost yesterday after it was decided he does not need surgery on the facial injury he sustained against Dagenham & Redbridge almost two weeks ago.

It was anticipated that he would have to go under the knife early next week, but scans have since shown there is no danger of any long lasting nerve damage.

“It is a bonus,” said Cuthbert. “I thought I would have to go in on Tuesday and have the simple surgery and be out for a couple of days but it is good that it is not as bad a fracture as first thought.

“It will heal itself and I won’t have any nerve damage, so that is a positive.

“The tenderness went away this week so that is another positive because otherwise you are a bit wary about getting an elbow to it, but it is fine.”