Sam Baldock is back in training as Albion prepare for their champions challenge against his old club Bristol City.

But Shane Duffy's next appearance will be for his country, not his club.

The Republic of Ireland central defender has been ruled out of the Seagulls' remaining two matches against Bristol at the Amex on Saturday and at Aston Villa eight days later.

A glutes injury ruled Baldock out of the promotion-clinching April sequence of five straight wins and last Friday's defeat at Norwich.

Hughton said this morning: "He's going to train today. That's his first proper training session for a while and then we'll assess it."

The Argus: Duffy (above) has not featured since fracturing a metatarsal at Nottingham Forest at the beginning of March.

Hughton said: "He hasn't trained yet. He's been out for a period of time, so I don't see him being involved. We've got the all-clear, the healing's been very good and I suppose Shane's next target is the international games."

Ireland have friendlies against Mexico and Uruguay, followed by a crucial World Cup qualifier at home to Austria, all in the space of ten days at the start of June.

Albion will go up to the Premier League as champions if Newcastle lose at Cardiff tomorrow night or the Seagulls' match their points gain against Bristol City.