Albion midfielder Charlie Oatway is on course for an amazing recovery from major back surgery.

He could now return before Christmas after an operation last month to repair a disc problem which could have left him paralysed.

Oatway, who had a spell on loan with FA Cup opponents Lincoln before signing for the Seagulls four years ago, has a medical update next week.

Albion physio Malcolm Stuart said: "We have brought Charlie's assessment forward a week to Tuesday, because he is so anxious to get back playing.

"It's a case at the moment of tying his arms and legs together to stop him joining in.

"I would expect for him to be back a lot quicker than we thought. Three months was the original estimate, but I imagine we will be able to shave some weeks off that.

"It's remarkable really. We stopped him playing immediately, because there was a risk of him not only ending his career but of total paralysis.

"Everything has gone well since then and I hope we will get the go ahead for him to start doing some more physical work."

Paul Smith, Lincoln's former Hastings and Nottingham Forest midfielder, has been less fortunate with a similar injury.

The 27-year-old's career could now be over after more than 150 League appearances in six seasons for the Imps.