Brighton and Hove Albion have strengthened their squad by awarding the versatile John Piercy a one year contract.

The Sussex-based former Spurs utility player goes straight into the squad for tomorrow's trip to Rotherham.

Piercy has been training with the Seagulls and playing for the reserves over the last few weeks after Spurs released him.

He sealed the deal by scoring both goals in a 2-0 win for the reserves at Bournemouth on Wednesday.

Manager Martin Hinshelwood said: "We feel he has done enough to bring him on board and we think he can be an asset to us.

"He made his debut up front at Tottenham, but he can play wide or in the middle of the park and even in defence as well."

Charlie Oatway has told Albion fans to keep getting on his back.

Oatway has been one of the main targets for criticism during the Seagulls' early season struggle, but the defiant midfielder says he is man enough to take it.

"If I'm big enough to go out there and get the pats on the back for the last two seasons then I have got to be big enough to go out there and have people swearing at me and things like that," Oatway declared.

"They have got to realise where we have come from as a club, but as far as I am concerned when they are having a dig at me the more the merrier. Let them do it."

Albion are without seven players tomorrow. Bobby Zamora, Michel Kuipers, Paul Kitson, Paul Brooker and Geoff Pitcher are injured, Graham Barrett is banned and Robbie Pethick is both hurt and suspended.

Oatway added: "It's hard to keep putting the young boys in, but we haven't got any strength in depth at the moment.

"It's no disrespect to them, but once those boys come back I can see a totally different season.

"It is tough. We are playing against quality players week in week out. There are no so-called easy games. We should have more points. Portsmouth were a quality side, but we haven't been pumelled by anyone.

"We have still created chances and we would like to think Bobby and Kits and Graham would finish them."

Zamora, missing since August 17 with a knee liagment strain, and Kuipers (back) joined in training yesterday, which was encouraging for manager Martin Hinshelwood.

Captain Danny Cullip was rested from training yesterday after a precautionary scan on a groin problem.

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