Charlie Oatway fears it will be tough for Albion to finish in the Championship top six if they fail to sign another striker in January.

The Seagulls are a win outside the play-off zone ahead of tomorrow’s visit by fellow challengers Derby County.

Only four points divide Watford in sixth from Blackpool in 14th and Oatway believes firepower could be a key factor in deciding the play-off spots.

The first team coach told The Argus: “I think there could be 12 to 14 teams there or thereabouts in the shake-up and we could be one of them.

“It’s going to be difficult, because a lot of the other sides have got quite a number of strikers and you need to make sure you have got enough.

“We would like to bring in another striker, the more strings you have to your bow the more opportunity you’ve got.”

Oatway is confident Leonardo Ulloa would make a big difference if Albion manage to land the Argentinian marksman from Almeria.

He said: “I went out to Spain towards the end of last season and watched another player but I haven’t watched him. “I’ve only watched clips and they were good.

“If the gaffer likes him I am sure I am going to like him, because everyone he has showed me who he has liked on DVD’s, Bruno or who ever, have come in and done fantastic jobs.

“If we manage to get everything signed, sealed and delivered and he comes here I am sure he would be fantastic for us.”