IAN Chapman is being lined up for a sensational return to first team action with Albion.

The former Seagulls stalwart has been earmarked to replace the suspended Ian Culverhouse as sweeper in next Saturday's home game against Leyton Orient.

Chapman, 29, has been used as sweeper in Albion's last two reserve matches against Millwall and at Portsmouth on Monday.

He will play in that role in the reserves again against Charlton at Worthing next Wednesday.

Boss Jeff Wood revealed: "It has been done for a purpose. We need someone experienced to play there and in the two games so far Chappers has been different class."

Chapman made 331 appearances during ten years with Albion, the last in April 1996, before he was controversially released by former manager Jimmy Case.

He joined the Seagulls' landlords Gillingham on a two-year contract but snapped a cruciate knee ligament, which sidelined him for 16 months.

The Brighton-born defender has been training with Albion all season and has improved his match fitness in four reserve games in the space of 13 days since a second trial spell with Colchester fell through.

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