Albion's player of the season Adam Virgo could be fit to face Ipswich at Withdean tomorrow after all.

The top scorer is poised to give the Seagulls another huge boost in their bid for Championship survival by shrugging off a knee injury with the aid of a painkilling injection.

Virgo, voted Albion's best player by fans, had been ruled out after missing last Saturday's win at Rotherham with a recurrence of cartilage trouble sustained in last month's home draw with Leicester.

He was expected to have surgery earlier this week but that has been put on hold as the Seagulls seek the point they need to stay up against the promotion-pursuing visitors.

Manager Mark McGhee revealed today: "A week ago it looked as if he had no choice other than an operation, then Virgs himself went to the physio Malcolm Stuart and asked him to see the doctors.

"They've examined him and, together with our surgeon Robin Turner, decided it was possible he might be able to get through a game with an injection.

"Obviously, we weren't prepared to take any risk whatsoever and we would absolutely go on the word of Mr Turner.

"He has said he thinks there is no risk to Adam. The only thing will be whether he can remove the pain and discomfort which prevented him playing last week.

"He has given him an injection and we'll see how it reacts before Sunday. You want your best players available and there is absolutely no doubt Adam has been a significant factor in us hopefully staying in this division.

"If it wasn't such an important game he probably wouldn't play but, because it is, I think Virgs might just get himself out there."

Either way, Virgo will be presented with his player of the season prize tomorrow. He polled 41 per cent of the votes, beating last season's winner Guy Butters into second place.

The veteran centre half was backed by 17 per cent of supporters, with Adam Hinshelwood third on nine per cent, just ahead of Paul Reid.

Brighton-born Virgo, converted by McGhee from a central defender into a goalscoring centre forward for much of campaign, said today, "I'm thrilled to have won the award.

"It's a nice achievement for me, because I used to go and watch the Albion as a youngster. To win the player of the season is something I would never have dreamed of doing."

McGhee said: "I think Adam has surpassed all of our expectations in every position he has played. It's been like having three players in the squad."

Meanwhile, Dean Hammond is aiming to continue his rich vein of form against Ipswich.

The tall midfielder bagged both equalisers in Albion's last home game against West Ham and has scored four goals in eight games.

"I scored my first ever goal a couple of seasons ago in the Worthington Cup at Ipswich," Hammond said. "Hopefully on Sunday I can get another one.

"If we get the right result then it has been a very good season. It means everything to the players. We want to stay up and play at big grounds like West Ham and Leicester."