Former Scotland coach Craig Brown heaped praise on Albion ace Bobby Zamora after he inspired a superb second-half fightback at Preston.

Preston boss Brown paid Zamora the ultimate compliment by declaring "any Premiership manager would be happy to have him."

Brown drooled over Zamora's outstanding contribution to the Seagulls' recovery from a 2-0 deficit at half time in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Deepdale.

The England under-21 striker helped set up Simon Rodger's second goal in four starts and Steve Sidwell's first for the club, despite suffering from ankle, heel and hamstring injuries.

Brown said: "That is the first time I've had a team play against him and he is first class. His whole game impressed me.

"I couldn't fault him. He is a very gifted striker, one of the best in the First Division. I think he could easily make the step up.

"He has got the physical stature, good pace and he is left sided, which is what people are looking for.

"Most strikers are right sided and clubs are crying out for ones that can do the job on the left.

"I would be very happy to have Zamora if I was a Premiership manager. I'm sure Steve (Coppell) doesn't want to lose him, but I'm quite sure any Premiership manager would be happy to have him."

Brown's view is shared by both Albion goalscorers. Rodger, who played in the Premiership for Crystal Palace, said: "I've only played with him for a few games since I've been here but on Saturday he was different class.

"He is definitely good enough for the Premiership from what I've seen of him. He gave their two central defenders a torrid time.

"One of them should have been sent off and he should have been awarded a penalty as well. He was very unlucky not to score himself. He deserved it for his performance."

Sidwell, on loan from Premiership leaders Arsenal, praised the way Zamora spotted his run to lay on his equaliser with 18 minutes left.

"He's a fantastic player," said Sidwell. "It's hard for him at the moment. He is holding the ball up near enough on his own, so everyone is working off him.

"There is no reason why he cannot play in the Premiership. He has got the ability and the talent."

Albion, unbeaten for four matches, were the only team in the bottom five to pick up a point and they will move two places off the bottom if they win at Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.

Dean Blackwell is expected to miss the trip to the City Ground after hobbling off in the first half with a recurrence of hamstring trouble.