David Yelldell will feel very much at home when he makes his Withdean debut for Albion against Derby tomorrow.

The big goalkeeper on loan from Blackburn is accustomed to playing in front of small crowds at grounds surrounded by an athletics track.

Yelldell's Teutonic influences and experiences with Rovers have prepared him perfectly for one of the most extraordinary venues in English football.

Yelldell was born and raised in Germany. Former Blackburn manager Graeme Souness bought him for £100,000 from Stuttgart Kickers, the part-time club where Jurgen Klinsmannn launched his career.

"It has been mentioned to me that Withdean is not that usual but I am used to that," said Yelldell.

"In Germany there are a lot of stadiums with tracks as well, like the Olympic Stadium in Munich.

"Stuttgart also have one, which is where I'm from, so it won't be a problem for me."

Most of the 6ft 5in Yelldell's time at Blackburn has been spent playing for the reserves in front of a couple of hundred spectators at Christie Park, the home ground of Conference club Morecambe.

His only first team appearance for Rovers was in a pre-season friendly on an American tour shortly after signing.

Yelldell has been playing third fiddle at Ewood Park to Brad Friedel and Peter Enckelman.

"This is my second year in England and I am enjoying my time here," he said.

"I would not say it has been frustrating at Blackburn, because I learn a lot in training from Brad Friedel and everybody has been good to me.

"Everybody wants to play first team football, so I am looking forward to my loan spell here. I hope I do well and we win a few games."

Yelldell made an impressive start at Leeds last Saturday after his sudden move to Albion on a month's loan.

Manager Mark McGhee switched to the 23-year-old as cover for the injured Michel Kuipers when his hopes of signing Aston Villa's Wayne Henderson were foiled by contractual complications with the Republic of Ireland international's loan spell at Notts County.

Yelldell said: "My agent told me on Thursday night that I would be going on Friday to Leeds to meet the team and then play on Saturday, so it was quite a shock.

"I expected to be training on Saturday morning and then I would have gone to Ewood Park to watch Blackburn's FA Cup tie against Colchester from the stands.

"I didn't know where Brighton is. I looked on the internet and it was right on the other side of England!"

Yelldell has dual nationality, as his mother is German and his father American.

The last Albion goalkeeper with an American connection was Tony Meola. He played in the World Cup, but performing in such exalted company is, for the time being, just a dream for the Seagulls' latest custodian.

He is not looking beyond Albion's bid to stretch their seven-match unbeaten sequence in the Championship against Derby tomorrow.

"I know of Tony Meola, although I didn't know he played for Brighton," said Yelldell.

"Everyone should have that sort of ambition, but it was my first real pro game last Saturday so I think I should take it one step at a time.

"Of course, I would like to stay longer if things go well here but the gaffer will have to decide that. I will take it from day to day."