Albion boss Sami Hyypia has revealed Kemy Agustien is still part of his midfield plans - if he is in peak condition.

Hyypia has been impressed by the ability of the enigmatic Dutchman but has also warned he needs to be "top fit".

Agustien is still sidelined for tomorrow's trip to Brentford by a twisted ankle sustained during last month's win at Leeds.

The 28-year-old former Swansea playmaker was having one of his best games for the club at Elland Road before limping off.

The Seagulls' congested midfield options have been strengthened further since then by the arrivals of Gary Gardner on loan from Aston Villa and ex-Barnsley maverick Paddy McCourt following a trial.

Agustien was a peripheral figure under Oscar Garcia last season after Swansea let him go.

Hyypia told The Argus: "I don't know very much about how he did before I came here but I can see that he can play football.

"He can see some passes that not many players can see. He is definitely very gifted, so I can see that he has a part to play.

"We know his problems and we need to try to help him sort out his problems and then he has a fair chance to play."

Nathan Jones, Oscar's assistant and now also Hyypia's No. 2, remarked in March that Agustien "needs to contribute every single day."

Hyypia has hinted the penny could finally be dropping following Agustien's latest injury setback.

The Finn said: "I think he needs to be top fit. At this level and with this amount of games if you are not top fit you will get injuries, so he needs to get fit and I think he is in a good way now.

"When he has been out he has worked very hard for his fitness. Hopefully he understands what he has to do but we can only educate him.

"At the end of the day it has to come from each player, what you want to do and what you don't want to do. "You don't have to do anything. If you are not wanting to do it then you need to face the consequences.

"If I say to a player it would be great for you to do this to improve your chances to play or to improve your chances to still have a good career and he is not willing to do it then it's not my problem.

"I'm not going to hurt or my life is not changing. They need to understand that they are doing it for themselves."

http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/11414139.It_s_Crossroads_time_as_Agustien_returns_to_Birmingham/