Simon Rodger has revealed his burning desire to earn a deal with Albion after 13 years with arch rivals Crystal Palace.

The Shoreham-born midfielder says it would be "a dream come true" if his trial with the Seagulls developed into something more permanent.

New boss Steve Coppell watched Rodger and fellow trialist Dean Blackwell in a 5-0 win for an Albion XI at Hassocks last night.

Rodger, who partnered two-goal teenager Dean Hammond in the centre of the park, declared: "It would be a dream come true to get a deal here. I was with Brighton as a schoolboy and got turned down because they said I was too small.

"I went to Bognor for a bit, played in the first team there as a young kid and that was when Palace came in for me. It would be nice to come back to Brighton, because my family are all down here. A lot of them still support them so it would be great for them as well."

Rodger's run-out last night was his first full 90 minutes since the end of last season. The 31-year-old's long association with Palace, where he played under Coppell and made 56 Premiership appearances, was rounded off by a testimonial.

"I did a bit of training at Woking, but not a lot," Rodger said.

"I didn't want to tie myself down to the non-league route just yet because I feel I still have a few more years in the pro game.

"Steve went down to Swindon, so I had a bit of training there, but Brighton is the first bit of proper training I've had.

"I was just happy to come down. I told Steve I didn't want any money or travelling expenses. It's just nice to be back playing football with a professional side.

"I'm still a long way off being fully fit. I still need three or four more really competitive games."

An estimated 500 crowd turned out at a rain and gale-battered Beacon for the match to mark the opening of a new stand for County League Hassocks.

Former Wimbledon stalwart Blackwell, who played more than 150 Premier League matches for the Dons, partnered Paul Rogers in the centre of defence.

Albion's other scorers were David Lee, Shaun Wilkinson from Rodger's clever pass and Steve Melton. Coppell said: "I am full of praise for them after that. They played with a purpose."

Albion: Packham; Hinshelwood, Wilkinson, Blackwell, Rogers, Hammond, Marney, Rodger, Lee, McPhee, Melton. Subs: Harding for Lee (45), Greatwich, El-Abd, Beck, Bryant.