Albion assistant Dean White has leapt to the defence of unsettled striker Glenn Murray.

The former Rochdale marksman’s commitment has been called into question since he asked for a transfer in the summer.

Murray’s desire for a move back north due to domestic circumstances has been emphasised by his body language in second-half substitute appearances in the Seagulls’ opening two defeats against Walsall and Swansea.

White said: “He has made it quite clear what he wants to do but the thing with Glenn is, even when he is really at it, he does look a little bit like that anyway.

“He has got a very laid-back, languid way about him. It is part of what he is. He is a fantastic finisher.

“He has got that cool head in front of goal. He doesn’t panic. Sometimes I think we can be a little bit unfair to him, because it is part of his manner.

“If you don’t see him running and tearing around like other players it doesn’t mean to say he is not trying. He is not as bad as a lot of people like to make out.”

Albion are believed to want to at least recoup the £300,000 they paid Rochdale for Murray during the January 2008 transfer window.

They have received no firm offers so far after he was plagued by hernia problems during the second half of last season.

It is unclear whether the Seagulls will let the free-scoring striker go out on loan, as happened with Joel Lynch last season before his move to Nottingham Forest became permanent.

White said: “We know what the situation is with Glenn, it has been well documented. For the moment he is an Albion player.

“If an offer comes in then I am sure that will be considered. Every player has got his price.”

Meanwhile, White has admitted patience could soon run out with Albion’s new-look line-up unless they start picking up points, beginning with today’s trip to Brentford.

Russell Slade’s No. 2 said: “We cannot wait too long for the team to gel. We need to get results and for the team to gel as soon as possible.”