Albion have recruited rookie forward Carl Wilson-Denis on a three-month contract.

Boss Steve Coppell has handed the former Kingstonian youngster a chance to prove he can make it as a professional.

The Argus revealed earlier this month that Wilson-Denis had been given an extended trial by the Seagulls.

The 20-year-old Londoner was recommended by agent Tony Finnigan, one of Coppell's former players, after featuring last season for Mullingar Town in the Eircom under 21 League in Southern Ireland.

Coppell said: "He is the raw material of a stereotypical centre forward, with decent pace and a good physique.

"I think he is worth pursuing a little bit further. The question is can we knock off a few rough edges in the next three months and can he feel comfortable in the environment?

"It is always hard for players who have not come through an apprenticeship, but now he has an opportunity and it would be great if he takes it.

"I did the same thing many times at Crystal Palace. The first contract Ian Wright had was for three months.

"There is no comparison as such. They are different personalities and everything, but there is a desire from this kid to do well.

"It's down to him now, he's got three months to show not just me but his fellow pros what he is capable of."

Wilson-Denis trained yesterday after missing the last two friendlies through injury. He is likely to be in the squad for Friday's visit to Yeovil.

Coppell is still keen to sign a target man following Bobby Zamora's move to Spurs and the arrival of little Leon Knight on loan from Chelsea, but he also wants to give second year pros like Chris McPhee a chance.

"I would definitely like to get one more in," he said. "We don't have a great deal of physical presence.

"In the games we have played so far when we've had free-kicks against us with the exception of Guy Butters we haven't got a great deal of height.

"Chris McPhee is a big fella but he doesn't use his physical presence as yet. That will come with experience if he is allowed to get it.

"If results show what I have got isn't up to the challenge then I have got to do something about it, but in a way I would like to try and give what we've got more of an opportunity.

"We are a flexible squad and I've got so many players who I know can do jobs. The quandary is whether they can do the job that is going to demand they keep the shirt."