ALBION goal ace Darren Freeman is aiming for another century celebration.

Freeman makes the 100th League appearance of his career at Rochdale on Saturday.

And he is eager to add to the first goal of the 21st century in English football, which launched the Seagulls to a 4-2 home win against Exeter on Monday.

"I have never been known as a prolific scorer, but I have bagged a few now and then," Freeman said.

"Hopefully I can keep scoring and get us out of this division.

"I'm very hungry at the moment. The gaffer has showed a lot of faith in me, so I have got to reward him."

Manager Micky Adams brought Freeman straight back into the attack for the Christmas game at Rotherham following a four-match ban for his second red card of the season.

The Brighton-born marksman scored the opener in Albion's 3-1 victory against the new table toppers, while Monday's swift strike lifted his tally to nine in 23 League and Cup outings.

Adams' decision to play Freeman alongside on-loan Italian Lorenzo Pinamonte, who scored twice against Exeter, and Gary Hart has been handsomely rewarded by back-to-back wins and seven goals.

The sudden surge has taken the Seagulls to within five points of a play-off place and they will go above tenth-placed Rochdale with another victory at Spotland on Saturday.

"It was unfortunate that we didn't keep a clean sheet against Exeter, but we have been criticised for not scoring goals," Freeman added.

"We got four on Tuesday and all the time we keep scoring I am sure we can win games.

"Lorenzo has done superbly and Gary Hart is working ever so hard as well.

"The gaffer has brought in a lot of players and hopefully we can do something this season."

Freeman will receive a specially commissioned magnum of champagne from Football League sponsors Nationwide before Albion's next home match against Leyton Orient on Saturday week for scoring the first goal of the new Millennium.

Meanwhile, Albion yesterday appointed Kevin Keehan as their new commercial manager.

A delighted Keehan said: "I am thrilled to be joining the Albion at such an exciting time and am loking forward to further developing the progress made since their return to Brighton."

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