Michel Kuipers is set to return for Albion when they face Tranmere at Withdean on Wednesday.

Goalkeeper Kuipers looks likely to be on the bench after injury as the Seagulls bid to maintain their play-off push.

John Piercy will also be among the replacements again as he continues his recovery from injury.

Manager Mark Ghee said: "They are back in full training and will be in serious contention for Tranmere. It's good news for them and us."

Kuipers has had a traumatic season. He has been sidelined for six matches with a knee ligament problem which followed a brief return to action against Barnsley last month after a car crash.

Piercy, who was back on the bench against Brentford last Tuesday, has struggled with injury and illness this season.

Luckless Piercy has only managed to complete one full 90 minutes - against Wycombe on Boxing Day - in 21 appearances for the Seagulls.

Assistant manager Bob Booker said: "It has been frustrating for both of them. I've been there, I know how injuries can affect you as a player.

"But you have to keep focused on getting back. Michel and John have done that. Hopefully they can now put all the bad times behind them and move forward."

McGhee will cross swords with the manager he succeeded at Leicester, Brian Little, when Tranmere visit.

He said: "Brian was very helpful in my getting to know and understand the squad I had at Leicester. He's popular in football because he's a straight guy, a proper manager and very thorough. He will have them organised."

But there will be no old pal's act against a team rejuvenated since Little took over at Prenton Park earlier this season, guiding them to mid-table and an FA Cup quarter-final replay with Millwall.

McGhee said: "I don't know the story of their season. I couldn't even tell you how long Brian's been managing them.

"I look at Tranmere and the shape of the team and how they play but, beyond that, it's just another game in which we need three points to keep us in with a chance of the play-offs "As far as I'm concerned they are like ourselves, a team who on their day can beat anyone and lose to anyone in the league on their day.

"We have no fears of them regardless of how well they've done in the Cup this season."