ALBION stopper Danny Cullip is fighting to be fit for a swift return to first team action.

Cullip missed Saturday's home defeat against Leyton Orient with a knee ligament strain.

The injury, sustained in last week's Auto Windscreens Shield exit at Bournemouth, was expected to sideline him for a fortnight.

But the Seagulls have not given up hope of getting him ready for Saturday's crucial trip to tenth-placed Torquay United.

Physio Malcolm Stuart revealed: "Danny is progressing very well.

"He is certainly not out of the running for the weekend."

Manager Micky Adams is keeping his fingers crossed that his £50,000 buy from Brentford makes it.

"We have to rate him as doubtful, but don't rule him out yet," Adams declared.

Cullip, when available, has been almost an automatic choice at the heart of the defence since his move from Brentford in September.

The Leyton Orient setback was the first League match he has missed.

If Cullip recovers for the visit to Plainmoor it would increase Adams' defensive options.

He switched to a flat back four last Saturday in the absence of the former Fulham centre half.

Albion also have a slight doubt about fellow central defender Darren Carr, although he is expected to recover from a groin injury.

Veteran Keith McPherson is on standby for his first start since Boxing Day as the Seagulls seek to revive their play-off ambitions with a much-needed victory.

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