Albion's new goal ace Lee Steele believes he can strike up an effective partnership with Gary Hart.

They were paired together for only the second time in Saturday's 2-0 friendly victory at Bognor.

Manager Micky Adams is still hoping to sign a big target man. But Steele, scorer of both goals in the first half, reckons he can prosper alongside Hart.

"We are relatively similar, but with a little bit more practise I personally think we could do allright together," Steele said. "I don't think a big man is a necessity, because as a team we play football.

"If the gaffer is after a big man that's another option as well, but I think me and Gary could do well together."

Hart, who missed Albion's Irish tour to be at the birth of his daughter, said: "I know the gaffer is looking for a tall target man, but I think Lee and I could do something up there.

"Hopefully I can strike up a partnership with him, but it's down to me, Lee and whoever is brought in to fight for a place."

Steele has been playing catch-up with the rest of the squad in terms of fitness following his free transfer move from Shrewsbury under the Bosman ruling.

The muscular Liverpudlian and Hart were the only ones to stay on for the whole game against Bognor as Adams used 20 players.

"It was important that Lee had 90 minutes, because he has been behind the others," Adams said. "I am trying to get him fitter and possibly the best way for him to do that is by playing more rather than training.

"I still think he is not quite there. We have got to start picking the pace up and slowing the training down slightly now and that will suit him."

Saturday's brace maintained Steele's prolific form in Albion's pre-season programme. "Everything seems to be going well," he added. "I'm happy with the goals going in. I just hope they don't start drying up before the season starts.

"I've scored five or six and I will be doing my all to get as many as I can. I am starting to feel a little bit fitter and sharper and I would like to think there is more to come from me."

Albion continue their pre-season schedule with a friendly at Hastings tomorrow night (7.45pm) ahead of Saturday's visit to Withdean by First Division Sheffield Wednesday.