Lloyd Owusu has backed Albion’s strikers to start banging in the goals – but hopes they do not start against Brentford tomorrow.

The former Seagull has kept a close eye on developments at Withdean from the other side of the world following his summer switch to Adelaide United.

Owusu was the hero of Albion’s dramatic escape from relegation last season with seven goals in 13 games but turned down the offer a one-year deal to try his luck in the A League.

He has certainly had plenty of time to ponder how Russell Slade’s men have coped without him after being struck down by a combination of swine flu and pneumonia which have seen him kept in isolation for three weeks.

Owusu is surprised the Seagulls have drawn blanks in their opening two games and insists Liam Dickinson’s drought since joining from Derby will not last long.

Owusu said: “It is a long season and we are only two games in so there is no reason to worry just yet. Russell Slade is a good manager and has brought some quality players to the club in the summer but it may take time for them to gel.

“There are definitely goals in the side with the strikers at the club. Liam Dickinson has a proven pedigree and although he didn’t have the best of times at Derby hopefully going to Brighton can spark his career again.

“Nicky Forster is a top class striker. He is getting older but still knows where the back of the net is and would score goals in the Championship.

“I’ve heard Glenn Murray is a bit unsettled but he is a quality player and then there is Craig Davies and Gary Hart who are both capable of scoring goals so it is just a matter of time.”

Owusu burst on to the scene as a 21-year-old when Brentford snapped him up from non-league Slough for £25,000 back in 1998.

He went on to make his name with the Bees, scoring 64 goals in 163 League games, and his love for the club grew when he returned for a second spell in 2005.

Albion also have a special place in the 32-year-old’s heart after his exploits last season and he will be following tomorrow’s clash closely via the internet as he continues his recovery.

Owusu said: “Contracting swine flu and pneumonia was not the best start for me over here but I am getting back to full strength slowly.

“I was pretty bad but the worst thing was that I had to stay in quarantine for three weeks without having any contact with anyone else. That gave me plenty of time to check out the Brighton and Brentford websites on my laptop.

“I’ll be keeping an eye on the score tomorrow as I’ve got great memories from both clubs. I was a bit disappointed only to be offered a one-year deal to stay at Brighton as new players have come in on two and three-year deals but I’ve got no regrets about coming here.

“People tend to think football in Australia is not that great but I’ve been surprised by the quality and the size of the crowds. I would compare it to the top half of League One or the bottom half of the Championship.”

So who will Owusu be supporting tomorrow and what does he think the outcome might be?

He added: “Both teams like attacking football so I think it will be a good game.

“Brentford have had some good results against Brighton at Griffin Park over the years so I’ve got a feeling they may just edge it.

“I don’t really mind who wins as my main focus is being a success for Adelaide now but if I was pushed I would have to say Brentford as they gave me my break in football.”