Michel Kuipers could be forgiven for diving for cover, rather than for the ball, if Kris Commons challenges him tomorrow.

That is not the big Dutchman's style, though. Kuipers' place between the posts for Nottingham Forest's visit is testimony to the courage he has demonstrated in re-establishing himself as Albion's No. 1.

Kuipers suffered a career-threatening injury in an accidental aerial collision with Commons as he tried to collect a cross during Forest's last trip to Withdean in the Championship in January 2005.

The surgeon who operated on Kuipers said it looked as if there had been an explosion inside his shoulder, so severe was the damage.

It kept him out of first team action for 11 months but the former Dutch marine always knew he would be back.

"There was never any doubt in my mind because I knew with hard work and determination you can overcome anything," he said.

"It was just a case of putting a lot of time and effort into the rehabilitation of my shoulder.

"It's something I did not just do by myself but also with the help of my family, the physios at the club and the club doctors.

"I also had people helping me at Sussex Cricket Club, the physio and fitness coach. With the support of all those people I've come back from that injury and that is a great personal achievement for me, to come back and be playing again.

"Those days are behind me now and I've never had any problems ever since, which is great. I am feeling the fittest and strongest that I have felt so far in all these years I have been playing football, so I'm very pleased and confident about my physical situation."

Kuipers' remarkable recovery in the face of such adversity is just one chapter in a roller-coaster story since Albion signed him from Bristol Rovers on a free transfer in July 2000.

There have been so many ups and downs for the 32-year-old from Amsterdam, off the pitch as well as on it. In November 2003 he cheated death in a car crash on the way into training, escaping with cuts and bruises.

In and out of favour with different managers, Kuipers is now back as Albion's undisputed first choice following Wayne Henderson's move to Preston during the January transfer window.

"It's been a great seven years," he said. "I've really enjoyed it. Everybody who has experienced it has loads of really happy memories, extraordinary memories of games we have won and promotions and all the emotions that come with relegation as well.

"It has been an extraordinary time but a very enjoyable time as well and I am really looking forward to the future with great excitement.

"The task this season is to stay in this league and then hopefully next season, when a lot of the squad have more experience, we will try to challenge again at the top of the table. This is like a transition year where we have to consolidate. It's another great challenge which I cannot wait for."

First Albion have to make sure they are not dragged back into relegation trouble after Tuesday's reviving 4-1 victory at Leyton Orient.

Kuipers and his defenders have been doing their bit, three clean sheets and and only four goals conceded in six games since he won his place back from Henderson at Chesterfield last month.

"I don't think too much has gone wrong," he said. "We hadn't scored enough goals and that comes with a little bit of luck.

"I've been pleased with the performances of the defence as a whole unit. The guys have been protecting me really well and the organisation between me and them has been really good."

Kuipers is among the 16 players out of contract at the end of the season. He has only the promising but raw pairing of John Sullivan and Richard Martin for goalkeeping company at the moment and looks sure to extend his stay with the Seagulls.

Can he imagine playing elsewhere? "No, I love Brighton and, besides my family, the club is the closest thing to my heart," Kuipers said.

"I'm just Brighton through and through. I'm not just a player but also a supporter, a massive fan of the club.

"That is something really beautiful. When the results go our way I am probably the happiest person around but if the results go against us I'm also the most hurt person.

"It is hard to describe but it is very special. That is why the club is very dear to me."