Sam Baldock is set to give Albion a title boost against his boyhood idols Aston Villa.

The striker could return to the squad for Sunday’s final fixture at Villa Park (noon).

Eleven-goal Baldock missed the Seagulls’ promotion-sealing seven games in April with a glutes injury.

Saturday’s home defeat by his old club Bristol City came too soon but he is in the thoughts of boss Chris Hughton as Albion aim for the win they need to clinch the title without Newcastle’s home game against Barnsley impacting on the final placings.

Hughton said: “Sam Baldock has trained but it was too much of a risk (against Bristol).

“I could have put him on the bench but if I put him on and he breaks down then it’s not a good decision. He should be fit and available certainly for Sunday.

“It’s a good option for us but we still have to make sure he’s right. If he trains for the full week then he very much puts himself in contention.”

Baldock, who supported mid-table Villa when he was younger, could replace Tomer Hemed in the starting line-up or be among the substitutes.

Villa’s ex-Albion central defender Tommy Elphick has been an unused sub for their last two games since starting the 3-1 defeat at Fulham on Easter Monday.

They are likely to be without influential Australia international midfielder Mile Jedinak, who missed Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Blackburn.

Manager Steve Bruce said: “Mile was nowhere near being involved. He has been playing with a bad groin. Whether he will make Brighton is a doubt.”

Albion will still win the title without a closing victory at Villa, providing Newcastle do not better their result.