Albion defender Connor Goldson is in a "better place" after his heart scare and boss Chris Hughton is looking forward to having him back in the summer for pre-season training.

Goldson has been in Dubai for a warm weather break as he awaits surgery on the heart condition spotted in routine screening which has sidelined him since the start of February from the rest of the Seagulls' promotion push.

Hughton revealed to The Argus: "We're waiting for his (surgery) date, but I think he is in a better place than initially, when the prognosis is there and it's very scary stuff.

 
"It's been dealt with by some very good people and there's far more encouragement now than perhaps before.

"Apart from this period, he's been around. Initially, after we got the news, he was still around the training ground, in the changing room before and after the game.

"He's in a better place mentally and our thoughts are very much we hope and look forward to seeing him back training pre-season and looking forward to a good season."