Kitson's a class act, say team-mates

Keeper Dave Beasant says Kitson is misunderstood and goal ace Bobby Zamora has hailed him as "basically a Premiership player."

Kitson broke his duck for the Seagulls within five minutes of coming on in last Friday's vital 2-1 victory at Reading.

His inclusion in the squad for Saturday's home game against Preston depends on whether he recovers from a stiff back after playing in the Reserves on Tuesday.

It would be his first appearance at Withdean since a run-out as a sub in the final few minutes against Portsmouth nearly three months ago.

Beasant, who like Kitson has spent most of his career at the top level, was impressed with his contribution against Reading culminating in a match-clinching header from a Richard Carpenter free-kick.

"He came on and did well," said the Seagulls' veteran No. 1. "He's a big, strong lad and every time I had the ball he wanted it from me.

"He's played in the Premier Division and he showed he's quick in mind as well.

"He wants to do well now. I think a lot of people have taken Kits the wrong way at this club.

"Obviously I haven't been here all the time. People are saying he hasn't justified himself here, but he's had a problem. He's been injured and you can't do anything when you are injured."

Kitson made his four starts for the Seagulls in August and September, when Zamora was sidelined by a knee injury.

They have only played together for a total of 20 minutes, against Portsmouth and Reading.

Zamora said: "The lads see him in training, so we know what a quality player he is. Hopefully he will be injury free for the run-in.

"I was looking forward to playing with him when he signed. Nathan Jones has been playing with him in the Reserves recently and he's had nothing but praise for him.

"He's basically a Premiership player, which says it all."

The handful of spectators at Woodside Road on Tuesday for a 4-1 win for the Reserves against Barnet witnessed an example of the kind of quality Zamora refers to.

Without looking, Kitson picked out a run by Jones down the left with an exquisite crossfield pass.

He also demonstrated his poacher's instincts with a shot against a post from a cross by Jones before going off at half time.

Kitson, mobbed by his colleagues, did not exactly jump for joy himself when he scored at the Madejski Stadium last Friday.

The ex-West Ham striker has a strained relationship with the supporters, who have criticised his commitment to the cause.

Boss Steve Coppell said: "I haven't spoken to him about it. I don't think anyone has been bad about him. The banter has all been humourous.

"I think he would get worried and would have a real chip on his shoulder if it did get vindictive.

"The supporters are like everybody here, we just want to see him play and play regularly.

"It's like having a present you can't open. Hopefully now we can take a few layers off and see what he's made of."

Kitson's non-appearance for the pre-match warm up at Reading had nothing to do with the fans.

"That's just his personal thing," Coppell said. "I think that way too. A lot of teams do 45 minutes before the game.

"I think it's because of the increase in fitness coaches. It doesn't eliminate injuries, it just releases nervous energy.

"I hate to harp back to the good old days, but the five minutes before the kick-off used to be more than enough. "Even the physiologists say to warm up, go back in the dressing room and then go back out again is the wrong thing to do.

"You should stay out there, but of course you are not allowed to do that."

Coppell switched to a 4-3-3 formation at Reading, with the fit-again Zamora through the middle, Graham Barrett on the right and Gary Hart demonstrating his versatility with a new role on the left.

Will he change the system on Saturday? "Possibly not," he said. "A lot depends on Dean Blackwell's fitness.

"I am not as optimistic about him as we'd hoped. I assumed he was going to be allright, but he will be cutting it very fine.

"Preston play a rock solid 4-4-2. It's a very accomplished back four. They are very comfortable in possession and look to build up through the back.

"That demands different things of us. Six weeks ago they couldn't buy a result, but now they are fairly consistent and again this isn't a game that is going to come to us cheaply.

"You look at the League and think they have got nothing to play for, but they have been getting results recently.

"They are possibly more relaxed and able to express themselves more. The burden of trying to be in the play-offs has been taken off their shoulders."

Centre half Blackwell, who missed the Reading match with an ankle injury, hurt a hamstring during Albion's 2-2 draw at Deepdale in November.

Zamora's performance in that encounter earned rave reviews from Preston chief Craig Brown.

The former Scotland coach told The Argus "any Premiership manager would be happy to have him."

Thankfully for Albion Micky Adams, Glenn Hoddle and co. cannot have him before next season.

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