Albion stopper Matthew Wicks has declared himself fit for the fight to reclaim his first team place.

Wicks is confident of a full recovery from the injury nightmare which sidelined him from the Seagulls' Third Division title surge.

The former Peterborough centre half was a regular in the starting line-up until a recurring hamstring problem ruined the second half of his season.

"The summer has given me an opportunity to rest it, along with strengthening and a certain amount of stretching," said Wicks.

"We have been back now for five days and it feels good, so hopefully I am rid of the problem.

"There was quite a lot of scar tissue, because I had injured it a couple of times.

"I kept on getting tweaks but it's feeling a lot better now and I am confident that I'm going to be fit and ready to go.

"It's just a case of trying to work myself back into the team now."

Wicks forged a formidable partnership with Danny Cullip before he was hamstrung.

Now the ex-Arsenal and Manchester United schoolboy faces increased competition following the signing of the versatile Simon Morgan from Fulham.

"It's unfortunate I couldn't finish last season," Wicks said. "I think had I been fit I would have stayed in the team, but that's life.

"I have spoken to a few of the lads at Peterborough recently and they said you get a bit more time on the ball in the Second Division, which possibly suits my game.

"We have signed Simon Morgan and Andy Cosby had a good finish last season, so I've just got to work hard and see where it takes me."

Wicks and the rest of Micky Adams' squad are continuing pre-season preparations at Ardingly College this week ahead of next Tuesday's opening friendly against Worthing and Woodside Road.