Albion chief Steve Coppell is hoping to have Dean Blackwell back in training this week to give the relegation battle a big lift.

The experienced central defender is on the brink of resuming full training after more than three weeks out with a hamstring injury.

Blackwell has been sidelined since limping off in last month's draw at Preston.

"We are hoping Dean will join in with us midweek," revealed Coppell. "The problem now is we have no reserve games so he has got to get his fitness in training.

"I will have to see how he comes back. He is a lean type, so I don't think he will lose a great deal, but a reserve game would help.

"At any time other than Christmas and the New Year we would probably be able to arrange a game somewhere."

Coppell believes Blackwell's presence could be important at set pieces at both ends of the pitch.

"Losing him has been a blow. We are not a big team. We've got a lot of game six-footers, but it would be nice to have someone with that little bit of extra stature.

"Dean has never been prolific as a goalscorer that's for sure, but you just feel with him you have got a little bit more clout."

Coppell has not given up hope of trying to complete a deal for an un-named defender.

"I can't mention names, but I was reasonably hopeful last week of getting another defender in, just in terms of protection," he explained.

More from Withdean at thisisthealbion.co.uk