Darren Freeman has pledged to play through the pain barrier of a double hernia to start the season with Albion.

He is delaying surgery to be available for the Seagulls' opening fixture at Southend on Saturday.

The Argus revealed last Friday that Freeman faces a long spell on the sidelines.

He discussed his plight with manager Micky Adams, physio Malcolm Stuart and the specialist before reaching his decision.

Freeman, on as a second half substitute, responded by heading Albion's clincher in Saturday's encouraging 2-0 friendly victory against Sheffield Wednesday at Withdean.

"I am going to try to play as many games as I can," Freeman said. "It's tough and I struggled a bit on Saturday, but I hadn't trained all week and I wanted to play. The gaffer wants me available and I am going to play through the pain.

"It is a big problem, because every time I'm running or trying to strike the ball it gives me a lot of pain, but I want to start. For something like this to happen just before the start of the season is a devastating blow.

"I'll just try to get on with it and have as many games as I can before I go in for the operation.

"It needs open surgery, which means I will be missing for a bit longer than if it was keyhole surgery. I will probably be out for about a month."

Wrexham's out-of-favour goal-keeper Mark Cartwright played in the second half against Wednesday and in Friday night's 5-1 win for an Albion XI at Selsey.

Adams faxed every Football League club last week in his search for a keeper to join Michels Kuipers and Will Packham.

"He did very well at Selsey by all accounts, although I wasn't there, and he looked comfortable on Saturday," said Adams. "I don't know the boy and I would like to see a little bit more of him. I'll be discussing things with Mark and Wrexham."

Gary Hart put Albion on course for victory against first division Wednesday early in the second half. Adams is still hopeful of signing a centre forward before the Southend game.

Adams said: "I have to admit my patience is wearing thin. I am getting slightly frustrated. We have been close to a deal on a number of occasions."