Michel Kuipers is ready to return between the posts for Albion's big kick-off at Burnley tomorrow.

The Seagulls have signed trialist Andy Petterson for a month as goalkeeping cover, but Kuipers is fit for the season opener at Turf Moor.

The giant Dutchman missed the friendlies against Leyton Orient, Cheltenham and Bournemouth with a recurrence of thigh trouble.

Petterson was drafted in because youngster Will Pacham was also injured, and the former Portsmouth and Charlton No. 1 has done enough to extend his stay.

Boss Martin Hinshelwood said: "Andy came in really looking to train, then we had the injuries. He has played well and he deserves a month.

"It just gives me a safeguard with Michel and his thigh strain. He has trained all week and he is 100 per cent."

Nathan Jones has run out of time in his bid to recover from a knee ligament strain, so Steve Melton is likely to continue on the left side of a midfield three.

Hinshelwood has also run out of time in his strenuous efforts to sign a centre half and a striker, which means Robbie Pethick filling in at the back and Bobby Zamora playing alone up front through the middle.

"On Wednesday I was going to watch a couple of games, but I ended up sitting indoors talking to people about front players and defenders," Hinshelwood revealed.

"We are still pursuing them. People might be disappointed, but it's down to the players already here.

"I know I need to bring one or two in, they know that as well, but they have earnt the right and they have got the chance now."

Several players struck down by a stomach bug were kept away from the main group at training yesterday but they are all expected to be fit to face a Burnley side that missed a play-off place by one goal last season.

"Wherever you go first up it is the First Division," Hinshelwood said. "Only a couple of mine have played at that level and I haven't managed at that level.

"We are all just looking forward to it. It's a massive challenge for us. I know they will give me 100 per cent and I cannot ask for any more than that."

Albion are preparing in style for their first match back in Division One by flying up from Gatwick to Manchester today with British Airways.

Follow tomorrow's matchday action at thisisthealbion.co.uk