Anthony Rougier's prayers were answered with a winning goal three minutes into his Albion debut.

The substitute striker, signed on a month's loan from Reading, struck in the second half to earn the Seagulls a vital 1-0 victory against Millwall at Withdean on Saturday.

Father-of-two Rougier, a member of Christians In Sport, revealed: "By the grace of God that is what my family and I have prayed for, a start like that.

"That's the reason I came here, to make a difference, and I'm hoping with the grace of God I will continue to do that.

"My religious faith is everything to me, even in making the decision to come to Brighton.

"There were other clubs that wanted me. Only through prayer did I decide to come to Brighton.

"There might have been other clubs more attractive but in my heart I felt Brighton was the right place to be."

Rougier stabbed home from close range after replacing Paul Brooker to complete a hat-trick of victories for Albion for the first time in ten months and move them out of the relegation zone.

The 31-year-old Trinidad and Tobago powerhouse has scored only three goals in his last 45 games for Reading.

Boss Steve Coppell quipped: "I said when he came he's not a prolific goalscorer, so I hope he hasn't run dry already.

"It was a vital goal and he is a strong, purposeful player. You could also see he needs some fitness work and he will get himself ready and stronger for the next game."

Albion are above Grimsby on goal difference, three ahead of Sheffield Wednesday and four clear of rock-bottom Stoke, who have a game in hand.

Coppell said: "I think we may have timed it wrong, 13 games too early!

"Having been at the bottom for such a long time and then clawing our way to third-bottom, just to get out of it gives the players an awful lot of self-esteem which is vital for us.

"For long periods this season they must have questioned whether they belonged at this level and now, after a run of victories, they think they can compete.

"It's very important we carry that belief into what I suppose you can call 'sort out' March."

Albion begin seven games in 25 days at Gillingham next Saturday without the banned Bobby Zamora and Gary Hart, who serves the second of a four-match suspension.