Midfielder Matt Richards will be back at Portman Road over Christmas, but it is likely to be a short stay in Suffolk with Brighton keen to re-sign him on loan again when the transfer window opens in January.

Richards's third month with the Seagulls is up after their game at home to Gillingham on Friday, but Albion boss Dean Wilkins has previously expressed his desire for the 23-year-old to return to the Withdean Stadium.

The one-time England U21 international has played 19 games for Brighton, all in the left-back role where he started his Blues career before progressing into midfield.

Richards's Town contract is up in the summer of 2009, but the Harlow-born academy product looks likely to move on before then, having rarely being involved at Portman Road this season before his switch to the Sussex club.

Also set for a return to Town at the weekend is striker Dean Bowditch, whose month at Northampton will come to an end after their home game with Bournemouth on Friday. The former England U19 international has made one start and three substitute appearances during his time with the Cobblers.

Town's other loanees — George O'Callaghan at Brighton, Ian Miller at Darlington and Sammy Moore at Brentford — all end their spells on December 31st. The Seagulls are keen to keep O'Callaghan for longer, while Miller looks unlikely to extend his stay with the Quakers after making only four starts and six sub appearances since beginning his second spell with the League Two club in August.

Sammy Moore has impressed with the Bees — who recently parted company with their manager, Town legend Terry Butcher — and has been interesting Leeds United, who look likely to sign him in January, either on a permanent or a loan basis.

Moore, Bowditch, O'Callaghan and Miller will all be out of contract at the end of the season.

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