Albion's injury-plagued goalkeeper Ben Roberts is on the brink of a comeback after an absence of three months.

Last season's No. 1 has been pencilled in for a reserve team friendly against Worthing at Woodside Road on Monday (7.30pm).

It will be Roberts' first appearance since back trouble forced him off at half-time in a pre-season friendly against Cambridge United at the beginning of August.

He has been to Lilleshall in a bid to solve his problems and Albion believe the unlucky 29-year-old is now ready to return to action.

Manager Mark McGhee said: "Ben is getting better by the day. He should play in the reserves and we hope he is over his problems."

Roberts won the battle for the gloves with Michel Kuipers last season, when the Seagulls were promoted via the play-offs.

Kuipers has capitalised on the former Middlesbrough and Charlton custodian's latest injury lay-off with some outstanding displays, while youngster Chris May has been providing cover on the bench.

Australian midfielder turned rightback Paul Reid is struggling to be available for next Wednesday's trip to Derby after he was stamped on in the 1-1 home draw against Cardiff 11 days ago.

"It is still very tender on the top of his foot," said McGhee. "He has got a secondary infection which has not quite settled down to the extent where he can kick a ball or get his boot on properly. We have just got to give that time.

"Reidy, Watto (Paul Watson) and John Piercy all looked as if they were starting to make a breakthrough then had setbacks."