Aaron Hughes insists he has no regrets about joining Albion – despite being kept out of the side.

The Seagulls are sweating on their central defender’s safe return from international duty ahead of their return to Championship action at Norwich a week tomorrow.

Hughes is expected to start Northern Ireland’s Euro qualifier against Romania tonight after recovering from an ankle injury in the Seagulls’ recent defeat at Bournemouth.

He is also favourite to replace suspended Lewis Dunk at Carrow Road.

It would be his first Championship start in central defence since the opening eight days of the season.

Hughes said: “I came into the club and straight away I knew about GG (Gordon Greer) from a distance.

“I knew his qualities and I knew he gave everything and that is why he is skipper of the side.

“Dunky has been fantastic so it’s just one of those things.

“I just keep my head down, work hard, wait for chances and, when they come, I enjoy the opportunity.”

Hughes believes the standard of training with Albion – plus international action – have kept him sharp.

He said: “Even when you’re not playing you are getting tested in training so, when you come in to play even in games like this, it’s a lot easier to fit in.

“There are times when you’re not playing it becomes a mental thing to make sure you are in good condition.

“We need that little bit extra in the gym or whatever just to be match sharp.

“And obviously I’ve had internationals.”

Irish boss Michael O’Neill said: “Aaron trained on Monday, Tuesday and on Wednesday morning. When he picked up the injury, this game was always his priority.

“I must commend the medical team at Brighton for working with us and making sure Aaron was fit to play.”

Albion also have fingers crossed Greer comes through the current batch of internationals unscathed.

He is not expected to start tonight’s eagerly-awaited qualifier at home to Republic of Ireland but could play some part in the friendly against England on Tuesday.

Ali Al-Habsi skippers Oman in their Gulf Cup opener against holders UAE in Riyadh today.