Albion*legend Bobby Zamora is poised for his first home start for more than 12 years against Birmingham on Saturday.
Manager Chris Hughton was delighted with Zamora’s contribution in Sunday’s draw at Burnley.
The 34-year-old striker is now on course to start – but not finish – the clash against sixth-placed Birmingham at the Amex.
Zamora, re-signed in the summer, has not started a home game for the Seagulls since scoring in a 4-0 win over Watford at Withdean in April 2003.
Zamora scored in the opening minute at Turf Moor and led the line impressively before he was substituted in the second half.
Hughton paved the way for him to retain his place by declaring: “For us it’s about keeping him at that level, keeping him fit. Certainly motivation’s not a problem for him.
“I thought there were some glimpses in his play of the reason we brought him in. I thought he did ever so well.”
Zamora, substituted on his only previous start at Bolton in September, lasted 64 minutes at Burnley.
The three-goal veteran admitted: “I was starting to feel a bit tired at that point when I went off and we wanted to make sure we had 11 fit and firing players.
“It’s a bit of a catch 22 for me at the moment in terms of fitness. I need to rest my body as much as I can but I obviously need to train hard and get the minutes.”
Albion’s under-21s visit Three Bridges tonight in the second round of the Sussex Senior Cup (7.45).
Original article
Manager Chris Hughton was delighted with Zamora’s contribution in Sunday’s draw at Burnley.
The 34-year-old striker is now on course to start – but not finish – the clash against sixth-placed Birmingham at the Amex.
Zamora, re-signed in the summer, has not started a home game for the Seagulls since scoring in a 4-0 win over Watford at Withdean in April 2003.
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Zamora scored in the opening minute at Turf Moor and led the line impressively before he was substituted in the second half.
Hughton paved the way for him to retain his place by declaring: “For us it’s about keeping him at that level, keeping him fit. Certainly motivation’s not a problem for him.
“I thought there were some glimpses in his play of the reason we brought him in. I thought he did ever so well.”
Zamora, substituted on his only previous start at Bolton in September, lasted 64 minutes at Burnley.
The three-goal veteran admitted: “I was starting to feel a bit tired at that point when I went off and we wanted to make sure we had 11 fit and firing players.
“It’s a bit of a catch 22 for me at the moment in terms of fitness. I need to rest my body as much as I can but I obviously need to train hard and get the minutes.”
Albion’s under-21s visit Three Bridges tonight in the second round of the Sussex Senior Cup (7.45).
Original article