Andrew Crofts has been awarded a one-year contract extension by Albion following his recovery from a serious knee injury.

The 30-year-old midfielder's deal was due to expire next summer but he is now under contract until June 2016.

Crofts, sidelined between January and pre-season by a ruptured cruciate knee ligament after rejoining the Seagulls from Norwich, said: "It's a massive boost for me.

"The last seven months have been a tough time but before that things were going really well and I have worked hard to get back.

"To have the gaffer's backing and the chairman and board's backing is massive for a player.

"I love the club. I had a few options to go elsewhere after Norwich but I always wanted to come back here. For the club to reward my loyalty is a big thing as well."

Crofts could make the 350th start of his career at Brentford on Saturday but fellow midfielders Solly March (back), Dale Stephens (ankle) and Kemy Agustien (ankle) are still ruled out.

Manager Sami Hyypia said: "Both of them (March and Stephens) couldn't do a lot during the (international) break.

"Hopefullly we can put more of a load on them now in the next few weeks and then hopefully they will get closer to fitness.

"Kemy is the other one. He has done some work outside already. I don't know exactly if it's a week or two that he will be back in training."