Albion boss Chris Hughton has praised new signing Tomer Hemed for being quick off the mark.

The Israeli No.9 took only three minutes to score his first goal for the club in yesterday's opening 6-1 friendly win against Swiss minnows FC Meyrin in sweltering Geneva.

Hemed found the roof of the net after strike partner Sam Baldock intercepted a backpass and squared a cross into his path.

Hughton said: "He also put himself in a very good position for Jesse Starkey's goal. I'm pleased for Tomo. Even in the first game and the type of game it was you want to get off the mark and he couldn't have got off the mark any quicker."

Starkey's fellow rookie, 17-year-old James Tilley, struck the goal of the game. Another youngster, centre-half Ben White, also played a part when captain Gordon Greer was withdrawn early on as a precaution to protect groin discomfort.

Hughton said of the development squad trio: "They continued the good work that they showed throughout the week. James came up with a very good goal as well."

Baldock was joined by Solly March in recovering from their injury problems last season. March set up Starkey's goal after hitting the bar with a free-kick from long range.

Albion's other scorers were Rohan Ince, Bruno and Chris O'Grady.