Adam Hinshelwood revealed today he is almost ready to help Albion's Championship survival fight.

The influential and versatile young defender is 90 minutes away from being in contention for next Tuesday's visit by Burnley.

Hinshelwood steps up his comeback from injury in the Reserves against Wycombe Wanderers at Worthing tonight (7pm).

It will be his first full outing since suffering knee ligament damage against Reading at Withdean ten months ago.

Hinshelwood had run-outs for the Reserves either side of Christmas but a full game will be the acid test of his readiness for first team action.

"That's the plan," Hinshelwood said.

"I can't wait. I've had tasters of about an hour now and I've been back in training for a while.

"The knee has felt fine and strong. It's just a matter of getting my fitness back and that is gradually getting there.

"Tonight will be another step towards that.

"If I get 90 minutes in I don't see why I won't be ready for the next game against Burnley."

Meanwhile, Gary Hart is hovering on the brink of an untimely ban. A fifth booking of the season against Burnley would rule him out of Albion's vital clash against fellow strugglers Leicester at Withdean next month.

The Seagulls will drop back into the relegation zone tonight if Leicester win their game in hand at Plymouth.

Gary Elphick will play no further part in Albion's relegation battle. The 20-year-old centre half has joined Aldershot for the rest of the season and is expected to make his debut for the Conference club against Canvey Island tonight.

Elphick was unfortunate to be sent-off on his first senior start at Reading last month.

Director of football Martin Hinshelwood said: "We feel it is a good move for Gary at this stage of the season, with not many reserve games on the horizon.

"We feel this is a great opportunity for him to go and play at a good standard and a good footballing club. Gary is a player who needs to play competitive football and this move will benefit all parties."