Andrea Orlandi is delighted to be back in action ready for a key stage of the season.

The Albion midfielder believes it is crucial to be in the thick of the play-off race at the turn of the year.

The Seagulls kick-off December by hosting managerless Barnsley on Tuesday.

Orlandi said: “When January comes you have to be around that area to see if you are really going to push for a play-off place.

“It’s a busy period coming up in December and we need to cement our place and send a message to the league that we want to be up there.

“I think we’ve got everything to push for the play-offs and even higher.

“We are just looking forward to the next games.