Albion could send injury-hit Irish central midfielder Richie Towell out on loan in January to get games.

Towell is creeping back towards a recovery from a knee injury which has ruled him out so far this season.

The prolific ex-Dundalk playmaker has made only one appearance for the Seagulls in the Championship since signing last Christmas, as a sub in the first leg of the play-offs against yesterday's hosts Sheffield Wednesday.

Towell faces plenty of competition once he is available. Ollie Norwood and Steve Sidwell were added to the squad in the summer to challenge Dale Stephens and Beram Kayal, while Rohan Ince missed out on a loan move during the transfer window.

Boss Chris Hughton said: "He's back out running now, so that's good news. With the injury he had he could not train for a period of time, had to let the knee settle down.

"We are hopeful there is no reaction once he is back in training. He hasn't trained with the team - he is outside now doing his rehab - but at the moment he's had no reaction.

"First and foremost it's about him getting back fit, getting back into the squad and given us an opportunity to see him again, and then assess it in January.

"He is definitely a player we like. He's been great around the place but, of course, he hasn't had the games. It's one we will have to think about."