Jiri Skalak has proved his fitness for a fresh start – with a great finish in front of a former Albion boss.

Now the Czech international is ready to get involved in a league he has only watched fleetingly on television.

And, as he brings a taste of how other countries do things by being fresh and rested in January, the 23-year-old is also ready for something of a culture shock of his own.

While his new team-mates at Albion welcome the respite of one game a week after their demanding Christmas and New Year programme, Skalak is just getting back up to speed after a winter break.

Albion’s latest recruit has not played a league match since December 6, when he helped Mlada Boleslav to a 1-1 draw against Zbrojovka Brno in the top-flight Synot Liga in the Czech Republic.

He has rested, done some training and then played friendlies, culminating in a goal-scoring contribution to the 1-0 win over Oscar Garcia’s new club Red Bull Salzburg in Austria.

Skalak has told a newspaper in his homeland that he might not feature until the Seagulls go to Hull City a week on Tuesday.

The Argus:

But he is already in the thick of it at the training ground, enjoying his stay at a seafront hotel and preparing to move into a new home.

He told The Argus: “I’ve enjoyed the rest but I’ve been in training for a month and I played four or five games.

“The last one was against Red Bull Salzburg and I feel in good shape.

“I think and I hope it won’t take too long to adapt.

“Since I was born and started to play football, my dream was to play in England.

“Brighton showed the biggest interest and made a concrete and official offer. From the first moment I liked that and was impressed and wanted to sign.

“I’ve seen Championship games on TV. I follow football in general and I know the league.

“I’ve seen the Championship or its teams in the FA Cup so I know the club and I see the league as one of the best in the world.

The Argus:

“I respect the competition. I like it and I know what it is all about.”

Asked what he could contribute to Albion’s cause, Skalak said: “I bring speed, bring strength and bravery with some good football sense. And I’m sometimes tricky.

“It’s a very big step but I do not doubt myself.”

Chris Hughton will tread carefully with Skalak as he eases him into the Championship.

He sees him as a wide player or someone who can operate off a target man.

Skalak has played in support of vastly experienced former Liverpool and Lyon centre forward Milan Baros this season.

His highlights include a sprinkling of free-kicks and composed right-foot finishes.

A tally of six league goals in 16 games this season matches that of all last term, when he made 24 appearances.

Skalak has already told Czech media of the routine daily fitness checks he will undergo at his new club, the fines for being late for training and the facilities on offer at the Seagulls’ Lancing base.

He admitted: “It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced.”

Switching back to natural surfaces is among the minor challenges after winter action in central Europe on artificial pitches.

Skalak’s introductory media interview with The Argus on Monday was conducted in Czech.

When asked about the language, the player slipped out of his mother tongue for a moment and replied without the help of an interpreter: “My English is not perfect but I will learn!”

He has already chosen a place to live on the edge of town but was also keen to tell those back in his land-locked country of his “beautiful sea view” from the hotel window.

Skalak did not know it but he has already crossed the path of a former Albion boss. His finish in that run out against Salzburg made an impression.

“I don’t remember a lot about the game but it was a quality goal,” Oscar told The Argus. “It was a good shot from outside the area just inside the post.”