The last time Richie Towell stepped onto the pitch for Brighton was back in May when he came on as a sub in the playoff semi-final first leg against Sheffield Wednesday. It was just his second appearance for the club which he joined midway through the season. He would be an unused substitute for the second leg as Brighton's promotion hopes ended.
Towell has been kept out of action so far this season by a knee injury. He is close to a return, though. Manager Chris Hughton said the 25-year-old has started running again.
He's back out running now, so that's good news. With the injury he had he could not train for a period of time, had to let the knee settle down.
We are hopeful there is no reaction once he is back in training. He hasn't trained with the team - he is outside now doing his rehab - but at the moment he's had no reaction.
Despite his lack of games, Hughton says Towell is a player the club rates. His chances of getting game time have been hurt by both injury and plenty of competition in the Brighton midfield.
A possibility for Towell come January is a love move so he can get games under his belt. Where exactly is unknown but Hughton stated it is something which the club is considering.
First and foremost it's about him getting back fit, getting back into the squad and given us an opportunity to see him again, and then assess it in January.
He is definitely a player we like. He's been great around the place but, of course, he hasn't had the games. It's one we will have to think about.
