Paul McShane has given Albion's Championship survival bid a lift by revealing he should be fit for the next home game.

He expects to be available for the key visit of fellow strugglers Hull a week on Friday after missing the last two matches with an ankle injury.

The young Manchester United centre half also believes there is a good chance his loan, due to expire at the end of December, will be extended for the rest of the campaign.

Albion feared McShane would not play for them again when he suffered suspected ankle ligament damage in the first half of last month's 1-1 draw at Cardiff.

A scan after returning to Manchester for treatment showed the damage is far less serious than initially feared.

McShane started jogging on Friday. He said: "It feels fine now. I am going to stay with United to get fit, then as soon as I am ready I will come back down to Brighton.

"I think a realistic target is the Hull game. I'll have to see how it goes this week when I start turning and kicking. Hopefully, I will be back for the Hull game and then the Christmas period."

McShane would rather stay with Albion than return to United to play in the reserves.

"There is a possibility the loan will get extended," he said. "I'd like to get it extended and play for the rest of the season."

Meanwhile, French winger Seb Carole remains on course to be fit for Saturday's trip to leaders Reading after he was stretchered off with a twisted ankle in the 1-1 draw at Watford at the weekend.

Manager Mark McGhee said: "It seems as if he will be training on Thursday. If he is going to be right for Saturday then we need him to train on Thursday and Friday."