Tomer Hemed hopes a goal for his country has come at the perfect time as he eyes a Premier League return.

The Albion striker scored and impressed for Israel in a friendly defeat to Romania on Saturday.

Hemed has been left out of recent matchday 18s by his club after they increased their attacking options in January.

But a window of opportunity could open against Leicester on Saturday with Leo Ulloa unavailable.

The Seagulls’ attacking options are further reduced as Anthony Knockaert serves the second game of a three-match ban.

Hemed, who ran on to a pass and flicked home a nice finish for Israel, said: “When I play I give it my all and I’m happy when I can show I can score and play well for my club and national team.

“If that influences the club, then that’s great.”

Albion used Jurgen Locadia in a role wide of target man Ulloa in their last outing at Old Trafford, a position in which boss Chris Hughton knows he is comfortable in from his time in the Dutch league.

He could be an option in a wider berth again against the Foxes with Knockaert ruled out.

That further increases the chances of Hemed or Sam Baldock, also absent from recent matchday squads, playing some part.

Hughton does not expect to tap into Ulloa’s expertise of Leicester, from whom he is on loan, in the run-up to the game.

He told The Argus: “I think with every club now, the work we do on the opposition tends to be so thorough.

“If there is anything he can give us, good, but I’m not quite sure what it can be.”