Albion captain Danny Cullip is on course for the big kick-off after recovering from an injury scare.

Cullip, sidelined from the last three friendlies by a strained thigh muscle, is scheduled to resume training today.

Confirmation that the Seagulls' inspirational skipper should be available for the opening game at Oldham on Saturday week is a welcome boost for boss Steve Coppell.

He is already without Cullip's partner Dean Blackwell for most of the season. Blackwell faces surgery next month after rupturing a cruciate knee ligament five days into the pre-season programme.

Albion have friendlies at Yeovil on Friday and against Micky Adams' Leicester at Withdean next Monday ahead of the Oldham match but Coppell will not take any chances with Cullip.

"If Friday's game was a League match I am sure he would be available for that," Coppell said.

"He sustained the injury in literally the last minute of training the day before the Crawley game.

"He just tried to kick a ball with the outside of his leg and something went.

"It's not massively bad but inconvenient. I was told he will be fit for the start of the season, which is obviously important for us."

Charlie Oatway (knee) and John Piercy (stomach complaint) are doubtful for the Yeovil run-out.

Former Manchester United, Everton and Rangers winger Andre Kanchelskis is keeping in shape by training with Albion.

The veteran Russian joined the Seagulls yesterday and is with them again today but Coppell stressed: "There is no intent to sign him.

"He lives in East Grinstead and signed for a Saudi Arabian team but he has fallen out with them. He just wants to tick over with us."

Albion could not secure international clearance for Carl Wilson-Denis for last night's friendly at Eastbourne Borough.

The rookie striker, signed on a three-month contract, played in the under-21 league in the Republic of Ireland last season.

New goalkeeper Ben Roberts turned out for an Albion XI in a 1-1 draw at Priory Lane.

Dan Beck's deflected cross put Albion ahead but former Seagulls striker Scott Ramsay levelled for Borough from the penalty spot in the second half.