Zeshan Rehman became and instant hero for depleted Albion last night, even though his team-mates were strangers.

The 19-year-old loan capture from Fulham celebrated his League debut with a stunning clinching goal for the second-placed Seagulls in the 3-1 triumph at Rushden and Diamonds.

Rehman was only signed at lunchtime Monday, too late to train with his new colleagues.

Boss Steve Coppell said: "I am sure before the game if you asked him everybody's name I wouldn't be 100 per cent certain that he could have got half of them right.

"He just linked things and his contribution was farely seamless. It wasn't as if he was found wanting at any stage.

"It was a big ask for him to come and play in those circumstances in what was a heated atmosphere compared to what he has been used to, just playing reserve team football, but I think you could see the quality he had."

Birmingham born Rehman, whose parents are from Pakistan, declared: "I am delighted. I don't think it could have gone much better than that.

"I thought overall I did well. I got a lot of help from the other players and to cap it off with a goal was brilliant.

"It was a little bit difficult not knowing people's names but as the game went on the easier it got and the more comfortable I felt with everyone."

Rehman exchanged passes with Chris McPhee to supplement goals from Guy Butters and leading marksman Leon Knight with a curling shot from outside the box on 77 minutes.

Coppell will fine himself after he was ordered from the dugout by referee David Crick for protesting about Stuart Gray's 49th minute equaliser from the penalty spot for Rushden.

Crick awarded the spot kick on the advice of his linesman for a foul by Robbie Pethick on Rodney Jack.

Coppell admitted: "Just for a brief moment I did lose it. I had words with the linesman.

"He was 25-yards away, the ref was certainly within ten yards and yet the linesman gave it.

"That is what I was upset about. It is the first time I have been ordered from the dugout. I am not proud of it and I will be making a contribution to the players' pool. They reminded me immediately."

Coppell, already missing seven players through injury, could be without Gary Hart for Saturday's home game against Blackpool.

The right-winger went off in the closing stags with an ankle injury.