It is already two-thirds over, but the season effectively starts now for Lee Steele.

Albion's injury-plagued striker is eager to force his way into the team for the promotion run-in after months of frustration.

The Seagulls saw off competition from several clubs to sign Steele from Shrewsbury last summer on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling.

Things haven't worked out so far for the likeable Liverpudlian. A succession of injuries, the latest a damaged knee in a car crash before Christmas, have restricted him to only three starts and a cluster of substitute appearances.

"I have been very disappointed," Steele admitted. "I would just like to get a couple of starts and prove myself from there, because I don't think I have proved anything so far with all the injuries I've had.

"I don't think I have done myself any justice when I have played in any case."

Boss Micky Adams has not lost faith in Steele's ability to come good.

He has stated that the stocky 27-year-old still has an important part to play this season.

"It is always nice to be reassured," Steele said. "Because things haven't gone well it is easy to lose your confidence, so that was a nice touch."

Life at the right end of the table has, for all Steele's personal disappointments, made a refreshing change. He was Shrewsbury's top scorer for three seasons in succession, but they were always struggling.

"It's a lot different here," he said. "Everyone is more together.

"It's not as if we've had our backs up against the wall and if someone is off the boil there is always someone else to come in. At Shrewsbury the squad wasn't as strong and it wasn't a very nice situation to be in.

"It's a bit of a relief, but at the end of the day I would still rather be playing."

Steele is gradually working his way back towards that goal. The weather frustrated a few comeback attempts, but he got through a full game and scored twice in a reserve friendly at Littlehampton last week.

He came off the bench for the first team against Torquay and Cardiff earlier this month and again on Tuesday against Blackpool, in the 95th minute!

"I felt a little bit tired against Torquay and Cardiff," he said. "But I did all right in the reserve game at Littlehampton and I feel as if I am getting a lot sharper."

Steele likes the idea of partnering the prolific Bobby Zamora, but he accepts he may have to be patient for that opportunity.

"With the system we have been playing we are second in the League with a chance of going top, so I have got to wait for my chance," he added.

"It would be nice to play up front with Bobby, but it's just about me getting back fit before I can start knocking on the gaffer's door."