Albion manager Mark McGhee has revealed Simon Rodger will be retained by the club if he proves his fitness.

Rodger has been ruled out since September by cruciate knee ligament damage.

The 32-year-old midfielder will not play again this season and is out of contract in the summer.

McGhee has bracketed Rodger with fellow cruciate knee ligament victim Dean Blackwell.

The Argus revealed last week that centre half Blackwell, out since last summer, is on course for a new contract and the play-offs.

McGhee said: "Simon Rodger's situation is only different in the sense that he is not going to get the opportunity this season to prove to us that he is fit again.

"We are not about to throw Simon out on the street. He will certainly be given time to prove he is fit and able to play again.

"I would expect if he is able to do that then he will be staying here."

Blackwell, 34, is only 16 days away from returning to action.

McGhee said: "He is coming on nicely and is still on schedule for the Sussex Senior Cup final."

Paul Watson, plagued by injuries this season, could be available again as early as next Saturday's visit to Bristol City after recovering from a pelvic cyst.

"He is back training and we have just got to see how he reacts," McGhee said. "At the moment he seems okay."