Albion winger Alexandre Frutos is hoping his pregnant wife delivers on time, so he can be at the birth of their first child.

Frenchman Frutos is on course for his full debut for the Seagulls at Sheffield Wednesday on Monday in place of injured Richard Carpenter.

Wife Claire is due to give birth on Tuesday, so Frutos is keeping his fingers crossed the two big events do not clash.

He said: "If my wife has a problem she can phone me and my parents are coming today, which will help.

"I hope the baby comes after the match because I don't want to miss the birth but, if God says it will arrive on Monday, I cannot do anything."

Frutos, 23, insists his mind will only be on helping Albion to valuable Championship points against fellow strugglers Wednesday.

He said: "When I am at the ground I think only about football. When I come back home I can think about my baby."

The Argus revealed yesterday that Frutos is in line for his first start after seven substitute appearances in a row, with Carpenter sidelined by a recurring foot problem.

The only cure for Carpenter is rest and he is expected to be out for between four and six weeks.

Charlie Oatway and Dean Hammond will be in the middle of midfield again on Monday, with a fit-again Alexis Nicolas likely to be among the substitutes.

Manager Mark McGhee said: "Richard is a different type of player from any of those and we'll miss him."