Albion have been boosted by a keyhole decision on Darren Freeman's injury which will unlock his recovery time.

Last season's leading marksman could be back in action in just over three weeks.

Freeman's operation to repair a double hernia has been delayed until Saturday.

But manager Micky Adams revealed: "The surgeon has seen him and he has decided Darren can have keyhole surgery. That means we are looking at three weeks.

"There are two types of operation he could have had. This one will benefit him and us, because he would otherwise have been out for six to eight weeks."

Freeman's double hernia was diagnosed just before the start of the season.

He pledged to play on as long as he could, but the injury affected his form and Adams left him out against Torquay last Saturday.

The Brighton-born forward, who scored 13 goals last season, may now be available as early as the home game against Leyton Orient on September 30.

Meanwhile, Lee Steele was on target in a first half run-out for the Reserves as they won 3-0 in a friendly at Wick last night.

The former Shrewsbury striker has been sidelined by a persistent ankle problem since the opening day defeat at Southend.

Rod Thomas and Scott Ramsay were Albion's other scorers.

There are no fresh injuries from Tuesday's spirited Worthington Cup draw at Millwall. The only other casualty ahead of Saturday's visit to Cardiff is Warren Aspinall.

He will be sidelined for some time yet after damaging ankle ligaments in a friendly behind closed doors against Southampton.

Adams and assistant Alan Cork were at Stoke last night to analyse York, the Seagulls' opponents at Bootham Crescent on September 23.

They saw York draw 0-0 with their second division opponents.