Russell Slade says Gary Hart’s inspirational form in Albion’s battle for survival has not surprised him.

Hart’s Albion career has been revived since Slade’s arrival and he made both goals in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers which lifted the Seagulls out of the relegation zone to continue an impressive run of form.

The 32-year-old was out for five months after knee surgery but Slade was convinced he could do a job after watching him play three reserve team games, especially when injuries robbed the manager of his first-choice front pair of Nicky Forster and Glenn Murray.

Slade said: “Gary scored in all three of those games I watched and always looked lively so what he’s done since he got back into the side hasn’t really surprised me. He works so hard for the team.

“He was outstanding again on Tuesday – as they all were. He was as stiff as an ironing board yesterday which was understandable but he will be fine for Huddersfield on Saturday.”

Slade is sweating on the fitness of Dean Cox and Adam Hinshelwood ahead of the trip to the Galpharm Stadium where Albion could secure their League One survival with a win if other results go their way.

Albion’s midfield playmaker damaged his knee against Rovers and had to come off at half-time while defender Hinshelwood also felt soreness in his knee.

Slade does not expect either to train today and their fitness will be assessed before Albion head to Yorkshire on Friday.

He said: “Dean has to be a doubt although his knee has settled down which is a positive sign.”

Albion will have right-back Andy Whing available again after suspension against a Huddersfield side who fought back to win 3-2 last Saturday at Walsall.

Nevertheless Slade is expecting Albion to have their work cut out as they chase a fifth win in six and fourth in a row away from home.

He added: “They have got some very good players so it is going to be difficult. Once (manager) Lee Clark has a pre-season with them to organise them I expect them to make a really strong bid for the play-offs next season.”