Albion boss Steve Coppell is stepping up his hunt for another striker after yet another injury setback for Paul Kitson.

The former West Ham forward broke down in training today on his way back from a hamstring-related knee problem sustained in the reserves last month.

It is the latest in a succession of injuries for Kitson. Earlier back surgery and rib damage has restricted him to four starts, the last of them back in September.

Coppell said today: "He started training and then walked in after about ten or 15 minutes. It's the back of the knee, the lower extension of the hamstring.

"If we get him back then great but I have been here almost five months now and I think he has had two reserve games.

"I am certainly not depending on him. I would love him to be back because I think he has got a big contribution to make. He is a class act and he can finish. I still think he can get involved but I really have to try and make other arrangements to try and compensate.

"The injury situation is something I have no control over. To be fair to him he came out this morning and wanted to train, so I cannot have a go at him. He wants to be involved but physically it seems he cannot make that final leap.

"I think we need another striker. If Kits was going to be fit for the rest of the season we would be okay, but Bobby Zamora could get a knock and he is on four bookings anyway."

Albion are sweating on the availability of Robbie Pethick for a landmark appearance at Bradford on Saturday. His 50th League game for the Seagulls is under threat from a recurrence of back trouble.

Coppell has a ready-made replacement if Pethick fails to make the trip to Valley Parade.

New loan signing Ivar Ingimarsson has been playing in midfield for Wolves this season, but the versatile Icelandic international operated in the centre of defence under Coppell at Brentford last term.

Nathan Jones is rated doubtful for the visit to the form team of the First Division. The Welshman missed last Saturday's 4-1 home win against Wolves with an ankle injury.

More from Withdean at thisisthealbion.co.uk