Zesh Rehman is preparing to fight for a new contract at Fulham, enriched by the highs and lows of an eventful loan spell at Albion.

The young midfielder's stint with the Seagulls closes against Oldham at Withdean on Saturday.

Albion's new year break from action has given Rehman the chance to reflect on three incident-crammed months under three different managers.

He has encountered the elation of a debut goal, the deflation of losing his place in the team and frustration caused by an unusual illness.

"I've enjoyed the whole three months, even though it has been a bit up and down," Rehman said.

"I have got to know the boys quite well and they have got to know me quite well.

"The fans have been really good and I think it has helped me improve as a player."

Rehman could not have wished for a more eyecatching start to his stint with the Seagulls than the sweetly struck goal he scored on his debut at Rushden and Diamonds in September.

He was on target again two games later against Grimsby at Withdean, Bob Booker's first match in caretaker charge following the departure of Steve Coppell to Reading.

Rehman's flying opening arguably worked against him, raising unrealistic expectations among supporters.

His form dipped, along with that of the team, while the managerial situation was unresolved.

An opportunity to impress Mark McGhee in his first game at Peterborough was foiled by Fulham recalling Rehman because of an injury crisis.

The 20-year-old then lost his place after McGhee substituted him at half time in the heavy home defeat by Bristol City.

Rehman's hopes of swiftly re-establishing himself were ruined by dizzy spells he had been suffering since the start of the season.

The problem was only resolved when blood tests revealed a salt deficiency in his diet.

"The illness came as a bit of a shock," Rehman admitted. "It shows how quickly things can change but that is all sorted out now.

"You have to bounce back, deal with things. It's not always going to be good or bad, you just have to adapt.

"It was a little bit difficult when Steve Coppell went but you cannot dwell on it, you just have to get on with it.

"I was grateful to Steve for bringing me down here but it has been good to learn from different managers.

"Everything that has happened to me in the last three months has been a good experience, something to learn from."

It is nearly a month since Rehman's last start for Albion, in the home draw against Port Vale, when he replaced the injured Richard Carpenter.

The 6ft 2in former England youth international has been trying to impress in training this week in the hope of deputising for the suspended Carpenter against Oldham.

Rehman could return to Fulham on the brink of a ban himself.

He has been booked on each of his last three appearances for Albion, including the festive fixtures against Wycombe and Swindon in which he was used as a second-half substitute.

"I wouldn't call it frustration," said Rehman. "I have been trying to improve my aggression and I have probably been a bit too keen to get tackles in.

"That is something the manager has spoken to me about, putting myself about a little bit more.

"I'm just trying to improve my game. That is the whole idea of coming out on loan and I think I have done.

"My contract is up at Fulham at the end of the season. My aim is to show them being out on loan has improved me. Hopefully they will see that."