Will Buckley is on course to give Albion a fitness boost when they return to action in the Championship.

Boss Gus Poyet is hopeful of having the former Watford winger available for the Seagulls’ next match against Hull City at The Amex on October 15.

Buckley is recovering from a recurrence of hamstring trouble sustained in the Carling Cup defeat by Liverpool a fortnight ago.

The Liverpool tie was his first start since the victory at Portsmouth in August, where he originally suffered the injury.

Poyet said: “It’s normally 21 days for the type of injury he has, so he should be fit.

“But, because it happened in the same muscle, the medical staff will take it a little bit slower than last time.”

Buckley has showed signs he will be a key player for Albion following a £1 million move in the summer.

He came off the bench to score both goals in the opening day victory at home to Doncaster Rovers, then won the decisive debut in the Carling Cup against Gillingham on his full debut.

The 23-year-old Lancastrian returned from his injury to the starting line-up against Liverpool after making an impact as a substitute at Leicester and Bristol City.

Poyet said: “He has been great for us. When you get the chance to play you have to show me you can play every week, not only in terms of ability but desire as well.

“He was excellent at Bristol and started the game well at home to Liverpool when he was injured.”