Albion manager Micky Adams is plotting the Alex Ferguson route to glory, by keeping four strikers happy.

The capture of Bobby Zamora has presented Adams with a "great problem" for tomorrow's seaside showdown with Southend at Roots Hall.

Zamora, Gary Hart, Lee Steele and Darren Freeman are all named in an 18-man squad, along with youngster Scott Ramsay.

"It's a great problem to have," said Adams. "If Alex Ferguson can keep Sheringham, Cole, Solskjaer and Yorke happy why can't I keep my four happy?

"They will all be given a chance this season, then it's up to them. If they don't perform they know there is somebody more than capable of taking their place."

Zamora, wearing a light plaster cast to protect a cracked wrist bone, trained with the Seagulls yesterday for the first time since his £100,000 move.

"He looked fine, just the same as he did when he was on loan with us last season," Adams said.

Hart is happy to have Zamora back. "We got on fine," Hart said. "He is a nice bloke, a good player and we did well together.

"If I remember rightly I set five of his six goals up last season. He told me I made his career!

"I look forward to us battling up front for our places."

Adams does not have the luxury of a selection headache in defence. The back four picks itself, with Danny Cullip and Nathan Jones both suspended.

Southend centre half Phil Whelan, a close-season signing from Oxford, has been struggling with a back injury, so Leo Roget is expected to partner Dave Morley and Mark Tinkler.

The Essex club almost went into administration this summer and popular chairman John Main could become the victim of a takeover bid at an EGM later this month.

"The Brighton public know how off-field stuff affects people," Adams said. "They can hide behind it, as teams here have done, but knowing Southend and the ability they have I am expecting a very difficult game."

Albion will have 3,500 fans roaring them on to what they hope will be a first away win on the opening day of the season for 16 years.