Albion have solved their chronic injury problems up front and at the heart of the defence with two experienced loan signings.

Centre forward Lloyd Owusu has joined the relegation-threatened Seagulls from League One basement club Cheltenham for the rest of the season and centre half Matt Heath from Colchester for a month.

They both go straight into the side against mid-table Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium tonight.

Owusu, 32, links up with Craig Davies in the absence of captain Nicky Forster (calf), Glenn Murray (hernia) and Calvin Andrew (hamstring).

The 27-year-old Heath is expected to partner stand-in skipper Adam El-Abd, with Tommy Elphick (ankle) and Adam Hinshelwood (calf) ruled out and Adam Virgo suspended.

Colin Hawkins (hamstring) was able to train yesterday and he is likely to be among the substitutes.

Caretaker manager Dean White said: “The injury situation meant it was vital to bring players in and Matt and Lloyd are two good additions. They certainly strengthen the squad and both have good experience at this level and higher.”

Ghana international Owusu has scored over 130 goals in more than 400 appearances for Brentford, Sheffield Wednesday, Reading, Yeovil and Cheltenham.

He is doomed Cheltenham’s top scorer this season with eight goals in 19 starts and seven substitute outings but they have allowed him to leave as a cost-cutting measure.

White’s fellow caretaker Bob Booker, who knows Owusu from his time on Brentford’s coaching staff., said: “He is a very enthusiastic lad. He is a great pro who knows the job and caused us problems up at Cheltenham recently.

“Nicky Forster is out injured at the moment but they had a good relationship when they played together at Reading and did some damage.”

The 6ft 4ins Heath has made 11 appearances for Colchester this season but only one start since the turn of the year after spells with home city club Leicester, Coventry and Leeds.

He will be available to Albion for the next eight games, up to and including the visit to MK Dons on April 4.

Meanwhile, Albion defender Jim McNulty is out of intensive care at the Royal Sussex County Hospital after rupturing a kidney during Saturday's game against Crewe at Withdean.

The extent of McNulty’s injury, sustained in a freak accident involving Crewe's John Brayford, is still causing concern and the leftback, bought from Stockport in January, will not play again this season.

David Livermore, back from a three-match suspension, is expected to take his place at Bristol Rovers tonight.

Useful acquisitions or stop-gaps? What is your verdict on Albion's two loanees?