Charlie Oatway's season is over. The Albion skipper was today ruled out of the Seagulls' relegation fight after an operation on his broken ankle.

It was hoped the long-serving combative midfielder would be able to return in March after sustaining the fracture of his right fibia in the 1-0 Boxing Day victory against boyhood heroes QPR.

But Seagulls manager Mark McGhee revealed that the injury is longer term because the ankle had to be pinned for 12 weeks.

He said: "Charlie will not play again this season and will return for pre-season. It is a blow because he is an influential character. But we knew that if the ankle had to be pinned that would be that would be the situation.

"He will still be an influence off the field, don't worry about that. When he can move around we'll get him scouting players and opponents.

"He will still get his new contract and will be back."

Oatway, 32, underwent the operation on Tuesday.

McGhee revealed his phone was "red hot" has he chased transfer targets in the January window.

The Albion boss wants to bring in four players, including Aston Villa goalkeeper Wayne Henderson, who was on loan earlier this season, a defender, central midfielder and a left back.

He said: we are working very hard. The phone's been red hot trying to get one or two in and that will continue. We are waiting to hear from Villa on Wayne."