Tommy Elphick is ready to play for Albion at Falmer.

The 21-year-old centre half is poised to pledge his long-term future to the Seagulls by signing a new deal next week.

It will make him the first player contracted to the club through to the proposed move-in date for the Falmer stadium.

Elphick’s current contract expires at the end of next season. The new deal finishes in June 2012 and Albion are due to switch to Falmer in August 2011.

Youth team graduate Elphick has established himself as a first team regular since the start of last season.

The Brighton-born defender, who made his debut as an 18-year-old in the Championship, has already been touted as a future captain of the club by boss Micky Adams.

Chairman Dick Knight said: “I am delighted Tommy sees his future with us at Falmer, especially as he is a local lad who has come through our youth system.

“He is not the finished article yet but he has made good progress since breaking into the team and deserves this exciting new deal."

Elphick is expected to return to the side against MK Dons at Withdean tonight. He was rested for last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Oldham – only the third match he has missed this season – but is in line for an instant recall with Adam Virgo suspended.

The pitch has been covered this week and Albion are confident the game will go ahead, although it is subject to a precautionary 1.30pm inspection before MK Dons travel.

Meanwhile, Albion midfielder Steven Thomson is wanted by St Mirren in January, according to a report in Scotland.

St Mirren chief Gus MacPherson is said to have tried to sign former Falkirk captain Thomson in the August transfer window.