Albion ace Gary Hart is on course to be fit for the start of the new season, despite a setback in his recovery from serious injury.

Ankle damage related to the broken leg he suffered at Peterborough on April 6 is holding up Hart's return.

The ankle is protected by a removable cast and he will still be under treatment when the players report back tomorrow for pre-season training.

Hart hopes to be joining in with them within a week and to be ready for the big kick-off at Burnley on August 10 with a revised contract under his belt.

Hart broke his left fibia eight minutes into Albion's promotion-heralding 1-0 win at Peterborough in their penultimate away fixture.

The break has mended perfectly, but Hart also hurt his ankle in the innocuous challenge with Peterborough defender Marc Joseph.

"The fibia is fine, but I've been having a few problems with the ankle," Hart revealed. "It has been swelling up and it's really badly bruised, but it is nothing too serious.

"We think it happened in the tackle when I twisted my ankle at the same time.

"It's in a plastic cast, which I strap on and can take off. I've been doing bits and pieces on my own, like the bike and weights, and hopefully by the middle of next week I will be training with the rest of the lads.

"If there are no setbacks then I will be on course for August 10, if selected."

Albion will want Hart fit and firing for their tilt at the First Division. He has made a successful conversion from centre forward to winger, with David Lee the only cover for him on the right flank.

Hart could also offer useful back-up in his former role for goal king Bobby Zamora following the departures of Lee Steele, Daniel Webb and Wayne Gray.

A strike partner for Zamora is a priority for the Seagulls as rookies Daniel Marney and Chris McPhee are the only other recognised front men currently on the books.

Hart, still with a year left on his existing contract, is among several of Albion's successive title winners who have been promised revised deals.

He is waiting to hear who will be his fifth Albion manager in four years after playing under Brian Horton, Jeff Wood, Micky Adams and Peter Taylor.

Chairman Dick Knight is back from a holiday in Spain tonight, but there has been no official indication from the club of when an appointment will be made.