Albion have been hit by fresh injury problems for Paul Kitson and Simon Rodger.

They were both forced off in a 2-1 win for the reserves against Bristol Rovers at Worthing last night.

Kitson suffered a hamstring injury just minutes after chipping Albion's late winner, his first goal for the club.

Rodger, returning from a broken toe, was substituted early in the second half because of a back twinge.

The double blow comes two days before the important trip to fellow strugglers Walsall.

Boss Steve Coppell revealed yesterday that Kitson is pressing Graham Barrett for a starting place after missing most of the season.

The frustrated former West Ham forward, sidelined by back surgery and then a rib injury, said: "I felt my hamstring so I've got to see what happens.

"It's peeing me off. All you are looking for in reserve games is fitness and to come through without any setbacks, so it's very disappointing.

I felt good and hopefully I will still be in contention for Saturday, but we will have to see now.

"I'm feeling down but there is nothing you can do. I have just got to grin and bear it."

Rodger has been missing from first team action since sustaining secondary damage close to a broken big left toe at Norwich on Boxing Day.

Coppell is keen to have the Shoreham-born midfielder available again after Steve Sidwell's move to Reading.

Rodger said: "I had a little bit of a twinge in my back so I came off as a precaution. I didn't want to make it any worse.

"The toe was all right. Obviously I still need to work on my fitness because I've been out for a while and I haven't done a lot of running.

"It's going to take a bit of time but if need to be pushed back in there I will do a job."

Coppell was hoping to sign another experienced goalkeeper today.

The injured Michel Kuipers' loan replacement, Ben Roberts, is still a doubt for Saturday due to gastric flu.

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