Albion goal hero Zeshan Rehman has revealed his desire to be a role model for an Asian explosion in English football.

Rehman wants to encourage more Asian youngsters to turn professional by becoming a Premiership regular with his parent club Fulham.

The 19-year-old midfielder, signed on a month's loan from the Londoners, marked his League debut with a spectacular goal for Albion in Tuesday's 3-1 win at Rushden and Diamonds.

That is the sort of impact Rehman hopes will galvanise other promising Asian players.

"I think once there are one or two making an impression then more will follow," he said. "I am sure the floodgates will open then.

"At the moment I am doing my best for Brighton, but it would be a dream come true if I was one of them making an impression in the Premiership.

"That would help spur other Asian kids on. I know there are a lot of players that are good enough, but they just have to show what they can do."

Rehman played for England under-18s with Newcastle's Michael Chopra and Kalam Mooniariuk of Manchester United, but they are the exception to the rule.

Far more youngsters with Asian origins concentrate on other sports like cricket.

Birmingham-born Rehman, whose parents are from Pakistan, said: "There are a lot of reasons for that. I have been quite lucky because my parents have been very supportive.

"It was always football for me, no other sport. Since I was young they have travelled to all my games and got me new boots when I needed them.

"I don't think all the parents are as supportive as mine. There are a lot of sacrifices they have to make."

Rehman makes his home debut for the injury-ravaged Seagulls in Saturday's seaside showdown against Blackpool at Withdean.

Boss Steve Coppell could be without eight players for the game after Gary Hart (ankle) added his name to a chronic injury list.

There is better news of captain Danny Cullip from the results of a scan on the calf injury he suffered in last Saturday's goalless draw at Hartlepool.

Coppell said: "It's an old injury and it is not as bad as we might have expected. He won't be ready for this weekend, but there is a possibility of the weekend after that."