Albion assistant Colin Calderwood says sentiment will play no part in when Bobby Zamora makes his full home debut back at the club.

Adoring supporters would love Zamora to start against Bristol City tonight after he came off the bench to snatch Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Leeds.

The 34-year-old striker has made three substitute appearances at the Amex so far in his second spell with the Seagulls, spanning a total of 56 minutes.

Calderwood, Chris Hughton’s right-hand man, said: “Certainly when he’s come on he’s had an influence. In one game especially it definitely lifted the atmosphere, because he got up and warmed up, but that wouldn’t be a reason to start him.

“The obvious reasons would be his quality and when needed and required. The manager makes that decision. If he had to start and the manager wants him to I think he’s ready.

“Bobby started away from home at Bolton. We’re going to get the upmost out of him – and we have got to be fair to the boys that have done well and started games.”

Gordon Greer (knee) and Liam Rosenior (dead leg) are major doubts as Albion bid to extend their unbeaten record in the Championship to 12 games but Gaetan Bong is expected to recover from a foot gash.

Kazenga LuaLua, missing for the fourth match running with groin trouble, remains on course to be available for Preston’s visit on Saturday when Jamie Murphy returns from a three-match ban.