Andrew Crofts’ confidence has been boosted by the prospect of a return from the international wilderness.

The midfielder is back in the thoughts of Wales manager John Toshack, thanks to his sound form for Albion.

Toshack wanted Crofts in his injury-hit squad for the World Cup qualifier in Liechtenstein earlier this month but it clashed with the Seagulls’ fixture against his former club Gillingham.

Kent-born Crofts, who qualifies to play for Wales through a grandparent, said: “On the Sunday John Toshack phoned me up and said he would like me to play on the Wednesday.

“I don’t think he was aware I had a game on the Tuesday until he asked me and he said then it might be a problem and be too short notice.

“There are certain rules about letting clubs know within a certain number of hours.

“He called me back that night and said it couldn’t be done and wished me all the best for our game.

“He said he will be in contact anyway. I think he’s heard that I’ve been playing well and to get a call from him is a good boost to my confidence.

“The last time I played for Wales was when I was on loan to Peterborough. I wasn’t playing when I went back to Gillingham, so I wasn’t selected.

“There are a lot of good players in the squad from the Premier League and Championship but I am hoping to get back in.”

Crofts will have to wait to add to his solitary start for Wales against Bulgaria two years ago.

Their next match is a friendly against Scotland at Cardiff’s new stadium on November 14, just 24 hours before Albion visit Southampton.

Crofts’ priority is helping the Seagulls climb the League One table after their latest setback at Tranmere.

The visit to Saints launches a tough League programme, with fixtures against Leeds, Norwich and Charlton to follow.

Albion face back-to-back home games before that, against Oldham tomorrow and Hartlepool at the end of the month, then the FA Cup.

“We want to be going into those November games with a lot of confidence and hopefully off the back of two wins,” Crofts said.

“We have got a couple of big games coming up and they are two we are looking to win.

“Last Saturday was a disappointment but we have got to forget about that and put it behind us. Every game in this league is winnable, it is just on the day.”

The ever-present Crofts has avoided the injury problems which continue to disrupt manager Russell Slade’s search for consistency.

Gary Dicker has recovered from a hip-flexor injury to partner him in the middle of the park again tomorrow but Jim McNulty and his left-back replacement Jake Wright are both out with ankle damage.

“The lads who have picked up knocks will be disappointed, especially Jim,” Crofts said.

“He has been working so hard to get back fit and I am gutted for him but everybody knows what a good player he is and he will be working again to get back.

“Jake was working really hard as well, so it’s disappointing, but it’s part and parcel of football. We have got to put the right team out and get the three points.”