Albion boss Chris Hughton says it will be like having a new player when Solly March is back under his wing.

The England under-21 international is on course to return to action for the Seagulls during the pre-season programme.

March has been sidelined since suffering cruciate knee ligament damage at Derby County in December. He is running again and is likely to play a part in some of the warm-up matches.

Hughton told The Argus: “He won’t be training with the squad from the first day (June 27). It will be a gradual process but he’s had no setbacks at all and we expect him to make a full recovery.

“When he got the injury he was as good as he’s been in my time here and most people feel he was as good as at any time with the club.

“Once we get him back it will be like having a new player.”

March’s fellow winger, Jamie Murphy, has undergone a straightforward hernia op following an encouraging first season with Albion.

Hughton said of the Scot, bought from Sheffield United: “He was unfortunate towards the end, when the form of Jiri (Skalak) kept him out.

“Overall I was delighted with him. He contributed six goals, which is a good input from a wide player.”