Alexis Nicolas gave Albion a boost today by declaring himself available for mission improbable part two at second-placed Ipswich.

The former Chelsea midfielder is confident he can shrug off persistent right ankle trouble for Saturday's trip to Portman Road, when the Seagulls try to repeat the shock 1-0 win at West Ham on their last away outing.

Nicolas has been playing with ankle problems for most of the season.

He missed three matches last month and had to come off towards the end of last Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Burnley, but was able to train yesterday.

"It's really like two injuries in one," revealed the Cyprus under-21 international.

"I did the first one a while back, but I've managed to play through it and it's faded away now.

"I did the other one in the first 15 minutes against Cardiff. I damaged a couple of ligaments on the side of the ankle. They are not that strong and I had to miss games.

"I am desperate to play, so I came back maybe a bit earlier than I should have.

"It's really a case of trying to get it right now and I've got to see a specialist to see what we can do to strengthen the ankle.

"Once the game starts I try to put it out of my mind and get on with it. I got a kick on it against Burnley, which luckily wasn't actually on the injury.

"It's not 100 per cent, but as long as the manager is happy for me to keep playing I feel I can keep on doing a good job.

"As far as I am concerned I am available for selection and I'm fighting to play on Saturday. I am desperate to play in every game. The club needs results."

Steve Claridge (sore groin), Michel Kuipers (dead leg), Paul Reid (bruised instep) and Leon Knight (sickness) are all expected to be fit to face Ipswich. Manager Mark McGhee said: "I don't think any of them will be affected for Saturday."