Albion are poised to clarify the future of goalkeeper Wayne Henderson by offering him the chance to sign a pre-contract agreement.

Henderson's three-month spell on loan from Aston Villa ends with tonight's home game against injury-hit Wolves.

The Seagulls cannot get Henderson back until the transfer window re-opens in January.

They could then re-sign him on a long-term loan for the rest of the season but that would deny Villa the right to recall him.

A permanent deal is more likely, with Henderson signing a pre-contract agreement to prevent Albion losing out to other clubs showing an interest in the Republic of Ireland under-21 international.

"That is a possibility, absolutely," manager Mark McGhee revealed. "We would like to have something in writing, knowing that come the first of January he steps back through the door here.

"It's a real shame the rules are as they are, because we would love him to stay and go on playing for us.

"He goes back now with our thanks but I will be trying to secure a deal to bring him back in the New Year.

"He's been outstanding. Apart from his saves, his general concentration and application has been over and above the call of duty for a loan player.

"His distribution has also been a huge part of the way we've played and how well we've played at times."

Fit-again Southampton loanee Alan Blayney returns to the bench tonight as cover for Henderson and he will play at Stoke on Saturday.

Centre half Paul McShane has recovered from a hamstring tweak but the neck injury sustained by Charlie Oatway in last Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Ipswich is expected to rule him out, so Alexis Nicolas makes his first Championship start since mid-March.

"It's been too long," said the former Chelsea midfielder. "It's frustrating and it's hard. It was getting to me and I need and deserve a chance."