Colin Hawkins has been ruled out of Albion’s home game with Walsall on Saturday.

The Irish defender had hernia surgery in Germany yesterday and joins Kevin McLeod (knee) and Joe Anyinsah (suspended) on the list of absentees to face the Saddlers at Withdean.

Nicky Forster remains a major doubt.

The skipper, who suffered a dead leg in the 1-1 draw with Yeovil, did not take train today.

Former Seagulls winger Paul Brooker, however, is working out with Micky Adams’ squad.

Brooker, who played for the double title-winning side built by Adams in his first stint at Withdean, wants to regain fitness and his enthusiasm for football.

Adams said: “He’s playing at Chertsey and fell out of love with the game which I was really surprised to hear about.”