GREG Halford's loan with Brighton has been extended until January 1 despite him only playing seven minutes for Nottingham Forest's Championship rivals.
The 29-year-old utility man was due to return from the AMEX Stadium on December 6.
Halford is one of seven loanees at the Seagulls, meaning manager Sami Hyypia must leave two of them out of each matchday squad.
New signing Darren Bent, Joao Teixeira, Ali Al Habsi, Elliott Bennett, Gary Gardner and Joe Bennett are the others.
Halford is well down the pecking order at the City Ground.
He has previously said last season was the most difficult of his career as former boss Billy Davies moved him around the pitch.
"This has been going on through my whole career, when it comes to people talking about my versatility," said Halford.
"But last season was the toughest I have had in that time, through my entire career.
"Billy saw me as a striker, but had me training during the week as a central defender.
"It did not do me any favours, training all the time as a defender, then going into games as a centre forward.
"I was rusty. I created plenty of scoring chances but I could not take them. That comes from training and sharpness.
"It was tough being juggled around in so many positions. It was tough all round, last season, in fact."
