David Lopez has backed his jet-heeled Spanish namesake to make a rapid transition to English football.

The Albion midfielder reckons David Rodriguez’s pace will speed up his settling in process as he takes his skills overseas for the first time.

Rodriguez is enjoying a first week of training with the Seagulls squad after signing on Friday and making his debut as a substitute at Watford two days later.

He hopes to get a chance to impress the Amex faithful when Doncaster visit on Saturday.

David Lopez admits he did not know his new colleague beforehand but chatted to him when they roomed together the night before the Watford game.

He said: “David can settle in because he is a fast striker who can score goals.

“I got to know him and he is a really good person who has come here with a lot of desire.

“I think he can do a lot of damage and give some help to Leo (Ulloa) who is up there on his own.

“He can get into the area and score goals which can help us.

“He is a very quick and intelligent player who knows how to play between the lines.

“That’s why I don’t see him having much trouble adapting.”

Rodriguez, who signed a short term deal as a free agent, was the only arrival on a quiet deadline day, although Dale Stephens also signed for the Seagulls late in the window.

David Lopez is convinced Albion can close the seven-point gap separating them from sixth place and says morale remains good.

He added: “For our part, the desire is still the same. Whether some players have gone or others are injured or others are coming into the club, the attitude of the team doesn’t change.

“We will fight match after match to be as high up the table as we can at the end of the season.”