Seagulls show they are hell Bent on moving up the league

Brighton and Hove Albion have signalled their intent at climbing up the Championship table by securing the services of Darren Bent on loan and the former England striker should go straight into the starting line-up for the visit of Fulham tomorrow (Saturday).

The Albion's recruitment team, led by David Burke, clinched the deal for the experienced Premier League goal-getter on Wednesday much to the delight of the club's supporters.

Bent has struggled for form at Aston Villa this season but the feeling on the south coast is that his loan deal '“ initially running for one month '“ could be just what the player and the Albion need.

He will certainly get more first team football at the Amex, with the Seagulls desperate for a talismanic forward since the departure of Leo Ulloa in the summer.

Speaking upon his arrival in Sussex, Bent said: 'It was no secret I wasn't getting much game time at Villa. I wanted to go and play football. I spoke to Sami and it was the right place for me. 'I love playing football and I'm happy to be here. Given opportunities and playing time I've always managed to score goals and hopefully it can continue.

'Brighton has got the feeling of a Premier League team. It's great to be here and I can't wait to get going.'

He presumably won't have to wait too much longer. Bent will surely feature against Fulham despite the Seagulls plundering three goals in their last outing.

A player of his caliber is unlikely to drop down a division for a place on the bench, meaning Sam Baldock could have to make do with a place on the bench.

Adrian Colunga, who enjoyed his best game in an Albion shirt at Carrow Road, should start behind Bent, with Kazenga Lua Lua and Elliott Bennett deployed on either flank.

Lua Lua was among the best performers against Norwich and is certainly benefiting from the more regular starting roles afforded to him by Sami Hyypia. Lua Lua thrived in the fluid three played behind Baldock and with Bennett returning after being forced to sit out the Norwich game due to the conditions of his loan deal, the Seagulls boast increasingly creative options in attacking areas.

Bennett yesterday extended his loan spell at the Amex for another month, while Craig Mackail-Smith and Chris O'Grady have left on loan, to Peterborough United and Sheffield United respectively.

In the two deeper midfield roles, Jake Forster-Caskey and Rohan Ince will be hugely unfortunate if they don't make the starting team after impressing against Norwich. Ince in particular adds a welcome shield in front of the back four which allows the attacking players to concentrate more on their creative responsibilities.

Gary Gardner, who the Albion confirmed they are trying to sign until the end of the season, is another option in midfield and is on a good run of form having scored two goals in the last three games.

Solly March could also feature on the bench after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Fulham's chief threat will come, unsurprisingly, from Hugo Rodallega and Ross McCormack who have 11 goals and 12 assists between them. The return from suspension of Lewis Dunk, then, will be most-welcome.

The match looks set to welcome the Amex's largest crowd of the season, with upwards of 28,000 tickets already sold.

LIKELY LINE-UP: Stockdale, Bruno, Dunk, Greer, J.Bennett, Ince, Forster-Caskey, Lua Lua, Colunga, E.Bennett, Bent.

LIKELY SUBS: Walton, Hughes, Calderon, Gardner, Holla, McCourt, Baldock.