Albion hitman Bobby Zamora has been urged to copy the patient progress made by another prolific prospect.

Former Seagulls boss Steve Gritt believes 31-goal Zamora would be wise to continue his career development with Micky Adams' men in much the same way as Neil Harris at Millwall.

Harris, 23, has already pledged his future to the Second Division champions after top scoring for them for the third season running.

The Lions have turned down a £2.5 million offer for the 28-goal marksman they signed from non-League Cambridge City in March 1998.

Harris, like Zamora, has three years left on his contract and Gritt, now Mark McGhee's No. 2 at the New Den, revealed: "Neil has already reiterated he is more than happy to stay.

"All I would say to Bobby is don't try and run before you can walk.

"Things have gone extremely well for him and Brighton would be very disappointed if he signed for another club.

"Neil is ambitious and I am sure Bobby is too, but he will want to prove himself as well at Second Division level.

"If people see you score at different levels they sit up and take even more notice."

Albion have so far rejected bids for Zamora of £1.2 million from Cardiff and £1.5 million from Wigan.

A host of clubs have been monitoring his progress, led by Ipswich and Coventry.

Zamora has expressed a desire to stay, Adams has declared he does not want to sell him at any price and Gritt believes Albion must resist the temptation to cash in on their £100,000 bargain buy from Bristol Rovers.

The man who saved the Seagulls from relegation four years ago before he was sacked, said: "Brighton should be doing their utmost to keep him.

"If the club has any ambitions to go any higher they will need players like him.

"That was the case with us and Neil. I am sure Bobby will be a very important part of Micky's team next year."