Albion boss Steve Coppell wants a fast start in tonight's rescheduled third round FA Cup tie at Norwich.

Coppell believes the Seagulls' hopes of repeating their 1-0 League win at Carrow Road on Boxing Day hinge on them being quick out of the blocks.

Steve Sidwell struck the decisive blow before the break on that occasion and Norwich, to the frustration of their fans, have not scored in the first half of their last eight matches.

"It has shown in a number of games that if we get off to a bright start we maintain it," Coppell said. "We are not a comfortable team coming from behind. We have done it, but it certainly doesn't bring out the best in us.

"I was brought up watching Liverpool and away from home you could always guarantee their first objective in the first 20 minutes was to quieten the crowd. We have to aspire to that."

Albion have lost only twice in their last seven away matches following Saturday's goalless draw at Coventry.

"You can never guarantee the same level of performance," Coppell warned. "It's different opposition and a different occasion.

"If we had that level of performance then we would be safe this season. I think playing away from home helps. The players do express themselves a little bit more."

Winger Paul Brooker, expected to retain his place in an unchanged side, said: "They had a lot of chances against us on Boxing Day but we still beat them, so deep down hopefully they will be thinking we can cause another upset.

"Obviously the League is more important to us, but this is a nice distraction. It brings welcome revenue to the club and hopefully we can go far."

Charlie Oatway and Gary Hart are back in the squad after suspension and a bout of flu respectively but Paul Kitson is still sidelined by the sore ribs he sustained on his comeback in the reserves at East Preston last week.

Coppell said: "It's a bit dispiriting from my point of view, because I was wanting him to get involved and be part of the action. He's had 90 minutes in almost four months and what he needs is regular, competitive football.

"We've got a reserve game on Wednesday (home to Gillingham) and I will be looking for him to try and get 90 minutes in that."

Norwich are expected to recall leading marksman Paul McVeigh to the starting line-up.

The winners have a home tie against Dagenham and Redbridge or Plymouth in round four on Saturday week. They play their third round replay tonight.

Match preview at thisisthealbion.co.uk