Brighton's Jim McNulty is firmly on course to return to action on schedule following his serious injury/

The highly-rated left-back, who had a kidney removed after a freak collision at Crewe last season, should be available by mid-September.

"He hasn't been having a problem. He has been doing a bit of light work and has been jogging. They are small and gradual steps really but he is doing okay," manager Russell Slade told The Brighton Argus.

"We are probably looking at him being back in the middle of September but it's difficult to say exactly when."

The return of McNulty, who has yet to play for the Seagulls under Slade, is a welcome boost for Brighton who lost the services of on loan left-back Gary Borrowdale at the end of last season and have released veteren Kerry Mayo.