Albion keeper Michel Kuipers faces a race against time to be fit for the start of the season.

Kuipers is recovering well from serious shoulder damage but he is expected to miss most of the Seagulls' pre-season programme.

Young prospects Richard Martin and John Sullivan will share the gloves in the big Dutchman's absence, beginning with Saturday's opening friendly in France against Le Havre.

Kuipers had two operations after he was hurt in the home game against Nottingham Forest in January.

Sussex CCC physio Stuart Osbourne is helping with treatment as Albion try to get Kuipers ready for the big kick-off in the Championship at Derby on August 6.

Albion physio Malcolm Stuart said: "Michel has probably got three weeks left with us with his rehabilitation.

"We are exceptionally lucky that we are getting tremendous help from Stuart Osbourne at the County Ground. Our facilities at Falmer are based more on lower limb injuries.

"I would imagine Michel will be missing most of the pre-season work to work with John Keeley (goalkeeping coach).

"His injury was absolutely horrendous but the surgery was superb and Michel has worked his socks off through the summer to get himself fit.

"He had a slight break with his family but even then he booked a hotel with a gym so that he could continue his work."

Sullivan and Martin will now be vying for the chance to become Kuipers' understudy.

Manager Mark McGhee said: "I'm taking the two of them to France with us and they will both play a part in the Le Havre game. We will look at them then and think yes or no."

McGhee has not given up hope of getting former loan keeper Alan Blayney back from Southampton.

The Northern Irishman's future at St Mary's remains bleak while first choice Antti Niemi is still at the club.

Meanwhile, Matt Miller has replaced Louis Jones on Albion's medical staff. Miller specialises in rehabilitation and conditioning and has been working closely with Kuipers.

Jones left at the end of last season to concentrate on his athletics career.