Sami Hyypia has issued a “so far, so good” verdict on Albion’s pre-season performances so far.

But the Seagulls boss admits there is a long way to before his side are ready for the Championship.

Albion defeated Partick Thistle 4-0 in Spain in their second friendly of the summer with four senior players watching from the sidelines.

Leo Ulloa (ankle) and Kazenga LuaLua (groin) were kept out as a precautionary measure while Andrew Crofts and Dale Stephens are recovering from longer term problems.

Fans were last night still hoping for imminent additions to the squad while Ulloa remains a transfer target for Leicester City.

Hyypia said: “We have had two games, we scored nine goals and didn’t let any in so we can be happy with that.

“But we are still a long way to go from where I would like the team to be.

“We still have four weeks to work on it and hopefully on August 9 we are ready.”

Hyypia is in regular talks with the club over signings but has been encouraged by what he has seen from the players already on board.

He added: “I know we have some quality in the squad and our job as a coaching team is to get all the quality out when it really matters.”

Crofts hopes to play towards the end of pre-season as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.

Lewis Dunk limped out of the win over Partick in the closing stages.