Albion boss Gus Poyet is sweating on a successful conclusion to his striker hunt after a fresh injury blow for Will Hoskins left him short of options against Blackpool.

Poyet had no forward on the bench in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at The Amex, with Hoskins ruled out by a recurrence of an abductor muscle injury.

It proved costly as Kevin Phillips, a transfer target for the Seagulls earlier in the summer, scored twice to wreck their 100% start after they led 2-0 through Craig Mackail-Smith and Ashley Barnes.

Poyet told The Argus: “There was not one on the bench and that is a problem because we had a chance to go and finish the game with a fresh striker on the bench and we couldn’t do it.”

Poyet’s desire to land another front man before the transfer window closes at the end of the month has been heightened by uncertainty over Hoskins’ fitness.

The former Bristol Rovers marksman aggravated his injury in scoring on his debut as a substitute at Cardiff last week, dashing hopes the problem is behind him.

Poyet said: “We don’t know, it’s going to be daily. We will have to wait and see.

“I don’t want to lose any more players. We are playing the same team every single game practically, apart from one or two.”

Will Buckley (hamstring) is unlikely to be risked again against Sunderland in the Carling Cup tomorrow night, with Craig Noone and Kazenga LuaLua both available.

Poyet wanted to sign Phillips as well as his No. 1 target Mackail-Smith but the Midlands-based marksman chose a move closer to home.

Poyet revealed: “It wasn’t a case of signing one or the other. We had a chance for a little while.You don’t turn down options like having Kevin Phillips in your team. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be but that’s football.

“I’m pleased for him because I think he is a very good professional and he showed he can still play and score goals.”