Paul Watson will see a specialist this week and hopes to get the go-ahead to start light training.

The Albion right-back has not played this season after major back surgery on a prolapsed disc.

Watson could be back in full training within a month and will then want to make a belated bid to reclaim his place in the side.

Seagulls physiotherapist Malcolm Stuart said: "The operation was successful and we will follow it up by visiting the specialist this week.

"We hope to start doing some light work with Paul which will lead to a return to full training in four weeks time."

Stuart believes Watson can take inspiration from the way Charlie Oatway recovered from a similar problem last season.

He said: "Charlie came through very successfully and I see no reason why Watto shouldn't either. It's strange that we've had two players needing the same operation this year.

"The disc is low in his neck. Paul said he got pins and needles down his left side. That made us aware something was not quite right and within a week we had the surgery done."

Watson, 29, from Hastings, suffered foot and groin problems which limited him to 17 appearances last season.

But manager Mark McGhee believes that the pre-season training the full-back put in will speed up the recovery process.

He said: "The good thing is that he picked up his injury when he was in top condition which means he should be able to come back quicker."