Albion have re-signed Steve Sidwell, 14 years after he first joined the club.

The 33-year-old midfielder is back with the Seagulls on loan from Stoke City for the rest of the season.

The Argus website revealed on Saturday that Albion were competing with Fulham, another of Sidwell's former clubs, for his services.

He watched the 2-1 win over Huddersfield at the Amex as a guest of Bobby Zamora, who he will now be teaming up with again for a third time.

They were together at Albion at Withdean in 2002-03, when Sidwell was on loan from Arsenal for two months. They also went on to play together in the Premier League for Fulham, along with the Seagulls' current No.1 David Stockdale.

Albion manager Chris Hughton said: "Steve is an experienced player who has played virtually his entire career in the Premier League. He knows this club, as well as a few of the squad and will supplement our existing midfield options.

"Beram Kayal, Dale Stephens, Andrew Crofts and others have been excellent in midfield for us this season, but we also need to make sure we have good options in every position of the team, and options which will be enough for us through until the end of the season.

"Steve brings that, and in addition he is another experienced head. He is a player who is proven at the very top level of English football.

"Brighton fans will know Steve is also a great athlete and top professional, so I'm absolutely delighted he has decided to join us."

Sidwell has made 200 appearances in the Premier League for Reading, Jose Mourinho's Chelsea, Aston Villa, Fulham and Stoke.

The former England under-21 international has scored 61 goals in over 400 senior outings, five of them in his 12-game stint with Albion 14 years ago.