Albion defender Stephen Ward is confident of a return to international action – even if he has to wait a few days.

The left-back is in the Republic of Ireland squad for friendlies against Latvia in Dublin tonight and Poland in Poznan on Tuesday.

He believes his form on loan to the Seagulls has been key to his first call-up to a Republic squad since February Ward, competing for a place with West Ham’s Joey O’Brien, said: “I’m sure they’ll want to look at everyone over the two games.

“For me it’s just nice to be back in the squad. I’ve missed them when I’ve not been in the squad. I’m just enjoying it at the moment.”

Albion’s Vitalijs Maksimenko is likely to play in defence for Latvia. Craig Conway’s chances of playing time for Scotland at home to the USA tonight have been boosted.

QPR’s Matt Phillips yesterday became the third winger to leave Gordon Strachan’s squad through injury this week.

Albion centre-back Gordon Greer is hoping for a first cap.