Albion want former West Ham forward Paul Kitson to form a partnership with Bobby Zamora.

Boss Martin Hinshelwood has been hunting for a striker since his appointment last month and Kitson is the man the Seagulls are after to ease Zamora's scoring burden.

The 31-year-old former England under 21 international has performed at the top level for Leicester, Derby, Newcastle and West Ham.

He scored a hat-trick in the Premiership for the Hammers in a 4-4 draw against Charlton last season.

Zamora, watched by Spurs chief Glenn Hoddle, was well shackled by ten-man Coventry in last night's 0-0 draw at Withdean.

The Sky Blues had young centre half Calum Davenport sent-off in the 39th minute for lashing out at Albion's stand-in stopper Robbie Pethick.

"He couldn't have any complaints," Pethick said. "He caught me with an elbow. I asked him what he was doing and he just swung out again."

Pethick, who had an operation to have his ears pinned back when he played for Bristol Rovers, quipped: "He missed them but caught my chin."

Gary McAllister, Coventry's player-manager, said: "It was a case of a guy with not much experience being sucked in by an older pro.

"From where I was in the middle of the park he was being nipped in the back and having his jersey held and he did the fatal thing by reacting."

McAllister, booked by Paul Taylor for protesting, added: "The ref saw an elbow. I saw it and there was no elbow. It's a harsh lesson for a young pro making his way in the game."

Hinshelwood felt Davenport was unfortunate. "It was nothing really and it spoils the game," he said.

"I would not have been happy if it had happened to one of my players."

Hinshelwood was satisfied with the result. "My players really competed and I cannot fault them," he said. "Coventry are a quality side with quality players."

Former Crystal Palace and Wimbledon midfielder Andy Roberts has cut short his trial with Albion to join Millwall.

Shaun Wilkinson is suspended for Albion reserves tonight as they open their Avon Insurance Combination League campaign against Southend at Woodside Road, Worthing (7pm).

Full match report on last night's draw with Coventry at thisisthealbion.co.uk