Albion can look forward to maximum commitment and a reasonable return of goals from new buy Chris O’Grady, according to the former Seagull responsible for his big break.

Ex-Albion boss Micky Adams gave O’Grady his Football League debut as a 17-year-old at Leicester.

The much-travelled striker moved to the Amex last Friday from relegated Barnsley for a fee believed to be £500,000 after 25 goals in 80 games in the Championship in the last two seasons for the Tykes and Sheffield Wednesday.

He is set to get a first Albion run out in the friendly at Crawley tonight (7.45pm).

Adams, now manager of Port Vale, told The Argus: “He was enthusiastic with good pace. He was a bit raw but one of those honest kids that work hard.

“Character wise he was only a youngster then and a bit quiet but he integrated okay with the group when he was given the opportunity.

“I’ve seen him since his Leicester days and he has scored goals for Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley.

“That was one of his failings at Leicester but he seems to have improved that recently. Hopefully it will continue with Brighton.”

Albion target Stephen Ward played 45 minutes in a friendly for Wolves under-21s at Telford last night.

The left-back has been told he has no future at Molineux.

Albion are also after a new goalkeeper with Fulham’s David Stockdale among those on their hitlist.