Steve Melton is mulling over an injury coincidence that has destroyed his flying start to Albion's season.

The unfortunate midfielder is nursing a slight hamstring strain which seems sure to keep him out of Saturday's home game against Norwich.

Melton missed Tuesday's goalless stalemate against Coventry at Withdean after limping off in the first half at Burnley last Saturday.

He has revealed the damage was done before he scored the Seagulls' opening goal back in Division One in the 3-1 triumph at Turf Moor.

"Just before I scored I stretched for the ball in the middle of the park," Melton said.

"I didn't feel anything straight away, but as I ran forward my left hamstring cramped up. I carried on for a bit but I wasn't at full strength.

"I was lucky enough to score but then I was hobbling around and I haven't done anything since then."

Melton is desperate to establish himself after an identical injury last season ended a stint in the starting line-up.

"I picked up the injury in training towards the end of last year and couldn't shake it off," he said.

"This time it's nowhere near as bad. We've caught it early. I had a scan on Monday and there is no damage except for a slight strain.

"I'm not ruled out for Saturday yet, but I don't think I will be ready. Wimbledon is realistically the match I am going for.

"It is really frustrating, but there's nothing I can do about it. It happened to me at Nottingham Forest as well. I had a run in the side there and got injured.

"I couldn't have asked for a batter start with the goal, but now I've been cut down straight away."

Manager Martin Hinshelwood could switch to his favoured 4-4-2 formation against Norwich if Albion clinch the signing of former West Ham forward Paul Kitson, as exclusively revealed in yesterday's Argus.

The Seagulls have denied a report that Bobby Zamora has already signed a new contract. Negotiations are continuing to keep the young hot-shot at the club for an extra year.

Albion received 1,000 tickets yesterday for the all-ticket trip to Wimbledon on Saturday week. They are on sale to away scheme members via postal applications only and more tickets will be available depending on demand.

Match reports, big match previews and more at thisisthealbion.co.uk