Albion legend Gordon Smith is introducing stem cell treatment to English football clubs to help players recover from injuries and prolong their careers.

Smith has met the Seagulls' medical chief Adam Brett and says they are "very interested".

The Scot has also targeted other clubs he played for, including Albion's FA Cup semi-final opponents Manchester City, to spread the word about the stem cell benefits.

Stem cells develop into different cell types in the body and renew themselves. They can be used as a bespoke aid to recovery and regeneration, depending on the type of injury.

Cristiano Ronaldo (below), Luis Suarez, Rafael Nadal and former American Football quarterback Peyton Manning are among the top sportsmen who have been treated.

The Argus: It helped Juventus star Ronaldo return to fitness when he was at Real Madrid for the 2016 Champions League semi-final against Man City.

Until recently, treatment with stem cells was regarded in the UK as purely experimental for MS sufferers and only available through clinical trials. It is now available on the NHS in a limited number of cases.

Smith revealed to The Argus: "I knew about the fact it was a big breakthrough going forward in terms of illnesses.

"I met some people who were dealing with one of the most advanced hospitals in Bangkok, Thailand.

"I also found out when I was in discussions with them that they do quite a lot in terms of sports injuries and regeneration. A lot of people are going to the hospital from American sport.

"It's not only clearing up injuries, it's the regeneration as well. It improves mobility and regeneration to the extent that it even makes them younger because of it.

"I felt there was definitely an option in football. Since then I've learned that Cristiano Ronaldo's had stem cell treatment.

"I am speaking to people and my contacts in football, telling them to have a look at this.

"I am helping to give an introduction, especially clubs that I've played for - Brighton, Man City, I've spoken to (Glasgow) Rangers, Oldham.

"They will all have their own ideas. The medical people themselves are the ones that have to make a decision and see if they think it is the right way forward.

"I saw Adam (Brett, below second right) and they were very interested in what it can achieve."

The Argus: Smith, former chief executive of the Scottish FA, added: "The great thing about it is it is all above board, not like giving any drugs or anything like that. Stem cells are part of the human body anyway.

"It is getting used for cancer heart disease, everything.

"Unfortunately at the moment it's a rich person's medicine. It is quite expensive, but there is a lot of research going on and stem cells will ultimately become the way ahead.

"You look at the scenario of older players who can have their bodies regenerated. It could give them a few more years in the game when they are heading into the autumn of their careers."

Smith played for Albion in the top flight from 1980 to 1983 before joining Man City.

He is best remembered for the FA Cup final run of 1982-3, which included a 4-0 thrashing of City in round four.

Smith headed Albion into the lead in the Wembley final against Manchester United. He famously had a chance to win the Cup at the end of extra-time, when his shot was smothered by United keeper Gary Bailey.

The Argus: Albion lost the replay 4-0 and Smith has been associated ever since with that late chance.

Because of that the 64-year-old, now combining media work in Scotland with a property scheme, will be willing Albion to upset City when they meet at Wembley on April 6.

Smith said: "It's a funny one because my two Scottish clubs, Rangers and Kilmarnock, have already played each other in the Cup this year as well and now I have got my two English clubs.

"I will definitely be coming to Wembley for the game. We beat City in '83, had a very comfortable victory at The Goldstone, so I'm looking forward to it.

"Man City are definitely a bigger club than they were then, but Brighton are having a good run and I more than anyone else wants to see them in the final, get a Cup win to get my bad day forgotten about!"