Chris Hughton: "For us it will be a bit like having a new player, we hope. There has never been a question mark over Joey's ability, just his ability to be on the football pitch.
"We are looking forward to Joey coming back fresh and strong.
"The biggest problem we have had with Joey is the fact we have not been able to put him on the pitch enough.
"After this summer's pre-season work, he more than anybody will be looking forward to the new season.
"He will be looking for a good pre-season and the opportunity to play regular football.
"For him it has been frustrating, as with every player they want to be playing football.
"He has missed an awful lot of football. It will be a happy period for him to get the boots back on.
"He did not have the involvement he would have liked last season, but he accepted there were players in the squad who had played a much bigger part than him.
"They warranted the opportunity to finish the season."