Albion manager Martin Hinshelwood has urged his injury-hit team not to be overawed by Saturday's trip to First Division pacesetters Portsmouth.

He wants his players to "have a go" at Harry Redknapp's star-studded leaders in the sell-out showdown at Fratton Park.

Pompey are hot favourites to get the win they need to equal the best start in their history as the makeshift Seagulls seek to end a run of three straight defeats and four games without a goal.

Hinshelwood, former Portsmouth reserve and youth team coach, said: "They have got a lot of experience and Premiership players probably earning quite a lot of money, but that's down to them if they can afford it and good luck to them.

"We just have to prepare right and have a go. These are the games our players should look forward to playing in against the quality they have got.

"This is where you want to be, in the First Division against a team at the top of the League in front of a full house."

Albion will be without Bobby Zamora again but his knee ligament strain has put back the prospect of the likes of Glenn Hoddle at Tottenham making a big bid for the young hotshot until next year.

The transfer window for Premiership clubs ends on Saturday. The only time they will be able to sign players during the rest of this season after that is January.

It is still not clear how the system will affect Nationwide League clubs, but Hinshelwood said: "The impression I've got is we are going to be okay and we will still be able to loan players from the Premiership.

"I am sure if Bobby gets himself fit and between now and Christmas scores ten to 15 goals then the same thing will be happening in January again.

"But Bobby has got three years left on his contract, so as far as I'm concerned he's staying. Who knows if he will be here in three years time or if I will be? Hopefully I am and he is.

"They are discussing a new contract with him at the moment. Nothing has been finalised, but there are talks going on between Bobby's side and the chairman. A few come to watch him play, but hopefully he is going to stay with us."

Football League spokesman John Nagle said: "We are in discussions with FIFA about an exemption. It is more likely there will be a compromise between a window and the current transfer system. There is no agreement yet but FIFA have promised to get back to us."

Big match preview plus all the matchday action at thisisthealbion.co.uk