New Albion signing Vegard Forren is "not up to speed" yet as Albion prepare to tackle Derby.

But Chuba Akpom is back in the squad for the Rams' visit to the Amex tomorrow night.

The Seagulls captured Norwegian international free agent Forren on Tuesday for the rest of the season to ease a centre-half crisis caused by Shane Duffy breaking a foot bone following the heart scare which has ruled Connor Goldson out for the rest of the campaign.

The Norwegian season does not start until next month and ex-Southampton and Molde stopper Forren, 29, left a training camp in Marbella, Spain, with Champions League qualifiers Rosenborg to sign for Albion instead.

He had his first training session with the Seagulls on Wednesday.

 

Manager Chris Hughton said: "We were aware of where we are as regards his fitness. It's for us to assess over the next few days exactly where he is.

"We know he has not been playing games and is not up to speed. That's something we were very aware of when we took him. It will just be a process now of getting him up to speed as quickly as possible."

Uwe Huenemeier produced a solid performance in his second league outing in 15 months in the 2-0 win at Rotherham on Tuesday night and the German will continue alongside Lewis Dunk against Derby.

On-loan Arsenal striker Akpom has resumed training and is in contention for a return to the bench after missing out recently with a knee problem.

Hughton confirmed: "Chuba will certainly be in the 20 to 21 man squad."

Liam Rosenior will make his first home appearance since August at left-back, with Seb Pocognoli (groin) and Gaetan Bong (knee) still sidelined.

Hughton said: "Seb is close, but not close enough. Gaetan is that little bit further away."