Chris McPhee believes he will be fit in time for the start of Albion's Coca-Cola Championship campaign.

The young striker suffered a stress fracture in his left foot two weeks ago which looked like ruling him out for the opener at Reading on August 7.

But the 21-year-old believes he could be back in time.

He said: "I'm looking for the bone to be healed in three weeks as it is only a small stress fracture.

"Then I aim to get match fit in the remaining three weeks and try and get into the gaffer's plans.

"I worked hard in the break, put on 5lb of muscle and felt fitter and sharper than I've ever felt. I think I will be back for the start of the season."

Meanwhile, Chris Iwelumo was due to sign for German second division side Aachen today.

The striker, who helped Albion to promotion last season, could be appearing in the UEFA Cup after Aachen qualified as German Cup runners-up.

Albion boss Mark McGhee says he is not worried about the new FIFA directive which limits the number of substitutes in friendlies to six.

He said: "I'm not bothered. It was becoming farcical.

"I want to look at all my fit and available players this week and I've got enough matches to give them all an opportunity."

The Seagulls are at Worthing tomorrow night (7.30pm). They go to Woking on Friday (7.45pm) and Crawley Town on Saturday (3pm).