Anthony Rougier wants to play for Albion in the First Division next season.

Rougier revealed his desire to return to the Seagulls as he prepares for an emotional farewell at Ipswich tomorrow.

The Trinidad and Tobago striker makes the final appearance of his month on loan from Reading after recovering from a twisted right ankle.

"I'm very disappointed not to be staying," Rougier said. "Before I left Reading they offered me a contract, but I haven't sat down with them and my contract is up at the end of the season.

"You never know what the future holds. Let's hope Brighton do the business and hopefully you will see me in a Brighton shirt next season. I certainly wouldn't rule it out. I love it here.

"The manager has been unbelievable. I have only been here a month and he is somebody I would love to work under. He's great to the players and he's very intelligent. He knows how to get the best of us.

"The boys have also been unbelievable. I like to think I have brought something to them as well and the fans have been magnificent to me. It almost brought tears to my eyes when I was coming off last Saturday and the whole stadium was applauding.

"That is the environment I want to be in and hopefully I can get that next season."

Rougier looks like forming a new strike force with Gary Hart on his 200th League appearance for the club in the absence of Bobby Zamora, who is ruled out by a slight hamstring tear.

He has already been on the winning side for Reading against Ipswich this season and picked up a few tips from his team-mates when he went back to the Madejski Stadium for treatment following the Royals' 3-1 defeat at Portman Road on Tuesday.

"They are quality players and a quality team, but I've spoken to a couple of the players at Reading and they can be beaten," Rougier said.

Boss Steve Coppell is reluctant to sign a loan replacement for Rougier before next Thursday's transfer deadline.

Paul Kitson was back in the treatment room again yesterday and Coppell said: "If we get a couple more injuries up front then I would have to do something, but with the crunch games to come it's all about desire and catching the same heartbeat as people who are here.

"If somebody is coming here from a Premiership club, with the sanctuary of a Premiership club to return to, then you don't put yourself out the way these boys are putting themselves out. I will stick with what I've got unless somebody lands in my lap and that is unlikely."