Zoumana Bakayogo admits he had no choice but to get used to the bruising side of English football.

But he reckons his experience of games and training at Millwall can stand him in good stead with Albion.

Bakayogo refuses to go into why he joined the Lions last pre-season after what seemed to be a successful trial with the Seagulls.

But he is here now, on loan for the rest of the season.

Albion could yet reap the benefits from lessons learned the hard way in south east London.

The former Paris St Germain youth-teamer said: "I didn't have much time to play at Millwall. I'm here to play now and I hope it brings results.

"At the start (at Millwall) it was a bit too physical. I had to get used to it, I had no choice. I feel more comfortable now."

Bakayogo, whose first-team experience in France was limited to a brief appearance in a friendly against Cameroon, did not enjoy his Senior Cup tie at Hassocks much this week.

But he has relished League One. He said: "I have been impressed with the quality of the passing and crossing, the speed of the game. The physical qualities as well.

"At the bottom of the table it's about getting the ball forward, going long.

"But when you come up against teams like Nottingham Forest or Oldham, they play it on the ground. They are playing Championship-level football.

"Will we stay up? Yes, even go up. I hope to go up. That could be hard but you have to believe to the end. The league is very close, it can all change at any moment.

"Look at Oldham. At the start they were at the bottom, now they are second. Why not Brighton?"