Michel Kuipers has ended speculation about his Albion future as he launches a quest to regain the No.1 spot against Sheffield Wednesday at Withdean tomorrow.

Former Albion boss Peter Taylor indicated a desire to sign Kuipers permanently while he was on loan at Hull.

But the big Dutchman has no wish to quit the Seagulls now that his loan stint has been cut short because of a back injury to Ben Roberts.

Kuipers, who resumed training with Albion yesterday, declared: "It's obvious where I hope my long term future lies. I am here at Brighton.

"It is very much where I want to stay, otherwise I wouldn't have come back.

"I have enjoyed my time at Brighton and I went to Hull just to get some games under my belt. That is what I have done and now I am back."

The message from Kuipers is he may have lost the battle with Roberts to be No. 1 at the start of the season, but he hasn't lost the war.

"It's the same for everybody in their own position, everyone wants to play in the first team," he said.

"I got two man of the matches, one clean sheet and I saved a penalty at Hull. The gaffer (Taylor) was pleased with me and I just did my best. That's what I am always doing.

"I am not going to be nervous tomorrow. I am just going to look forward to it and hopefully enjoy it. A clean sheet would do and three points."

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