Zamora stays for fight ahead

Zamora was linked with Everton and Tottenham as he fired 63 goals in the Seagulls' back-to-back promotions.

The England under-21 striker has hit seven goals this season, his last against leaders Portsmouth nine days ago, despite injury and his club's struggle to get off rock bottom in Division One.

But Coppell believes the club's prized asset will still be at Withdean when the transfer window closes on Friday.

Coppell said: "If someone had come in for Bobby I would have accepted it but I'm glad they haven't.

"If it was going to happen it would have happened earlier this month. I don't think anyone will resurrect anything in the next couple of days."

The Albion boss revealed a Premiership club declined to play Albion in a friendly as the Seagulls searched for a match in the absence of a league fixture.

He said: "We had a couple of possibilities. I thought we would get a game against Premiership opposition but, although I hate to say it, they wanted sterner opposition.

"It is a shame because we had a dormant weekend after not being able to get on the training field for four days because of the conditions. We're one of the clubs who don't have the options of astroturf and gym facilities.

"We now have to get back into our routine preparation for the Walsall game on Saturday."

Midfielder Simon Rodger, sidelined since Christmas with a broken toe, could return to action for the reserves against Bristol Rovers at Worthing on Wednesday.

Coppell said: "He has done some rehab training and this week he trains with us. We will see how he comes through but he could play in the reserves with others getting back in the action like Paul Kitson and Dean Blackwell."

Coppell hopes Albion can start turning draws into wins against Walsall.

But he said: "I can't ask for any more. It's not as if we're playing at 80 per cent and we've got another 20 per cent tucked away.

"The players are going full out."

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