Former Albion midfielder Simon Rodger today revealed plans for a surprise playing comeback.

Rodger is open to offers from non-league clubs in Sussex after receiving the all-clear to make a part-time return to the game.

The 33-year-old was forced to retire seven months ago with a serious knee injury.

"I've had another operation on my knee through a different surgeon and he has done a great job on it," Rodger said. "There is a chance I could come back and play a bit of non-league football.

"The surgeon doesn't see a problem. He said I could have played professionally again but, with an insurance case going on, there's no chance of that so I could go down the non-league route.

"I am going to do a bit of training pre-season and see how it goes. If I am happy with the knee then I may do a bit of non-league football.

"I am open to offers. Obviously I haven't kicked a ball for a long time. I've been working out in the gym and stuff like that but not actually football training.

"I'll get myself a club to do a bit of training in the summer and take it from there."

Shoreham-born Rodger lost a year-long battle to recover from rupturing anterior cruciate ligaments in his left knee in a Carling Cup tie for Albion at Middlesbrough in September 2003.

The Guildford-based playmaker made 36 appearances in two years for the Seagulls after 13 years with Crystal Palace, including two seasons in the Premiership.