Albion's automatic promotion bid is not the only issue which looks set to, in the words of manager Chris Hughton, "drag on".

So too, it seems, will the saga over the future of key midfielder Dale Stephens, beyond the point where the Seagulls' fate is determined.

Confirmation of whether or not Stephens, out of contract in June, will still be wearing the blue and white stripes next season is not expected until the summer.

He said: "Obviously it's possible (staying), but I think that will be decided when everything is said and done.

"There will be a conversation probably over the summer at some point, but I'm solely focused on what's happening between now and the end of the season."

The uncertainty has not affected Stephens' form. Hughton has turned back to the central midfield lynchpin with Beram Kayal of Albion's challenge last season when it matters most.

Tuesday's 3-1 home win over Birmingham was his 11th start in succession. Against Blackburn Rovers at the Amex three days earlier he produced one of his best performances of the season.

Stephens is accustomed to his future being a topic for debate, even before the multitude of bids by Burnley last summer, which ended in frustration both for them and the 27-year-old Lancastrian.

That was not the first time he has missed out on the Premier League. When he was at Charlton, Aston Villa under Paul Lambert wanted to sign him but the move never materialised.

"It's something I've had throughout my career, not just out of contract, but transfers that may or may not have happened," Stephens said.

"I've dealt with it a couple of times, so I'm used to it. I've accepted what's happened and I'm still excited about being at this club and the position we are in.

"The most important thing is we do the job first before any conversation takes place. I'm fully focused on that."

Albion will be in an even better position if they add to a modest away sequence of two wins from the last seven matches tonight against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road, a ground with fond memories for Stephens.

A close range volley from a corner, with his back to goal, put Albion ahead in the 2-2 draw last season, one of the more unconventional of the 36 league goals he has scored in a career split geographically between Bury, Oldham and Rochdale on the one hand, Southampton, Charlton and Albion on the other.

Stephens was reminded of that strike travelling into training yesterday with team-mate Sam Baldock, who is set to miss out tonight for the third match in succession due to an issue with his glutes.

"He wants another one," Stephens said. "I'm not sure I could do that again!

"It was a strange one. I just managed to flick it over. It didn't feel like an overhead kick."