Dean Hammond has targeted a return to scoring form for Albion – five years after his last goal for the club.

The midfielder nearly found the net in both appearances since rejoining the Seagulls on loan from Southampton.

He had two efforts disallowed for offside against Sheffield Wednesday on his debut and went close three times at Watford on Tuesday.

Hammond said: “It would be nice to score. Everyone loves scoring goals and I’ve had a few chances. “I have been encouraged to get further forward and get in the box. I played more of a holding role at Southampton last year, so I didn’t really get those opportunities, but I enjoy playing either way and hopefully the goals will come.

“If I get the chances then hopefully I can take them in the future.”

Hammond gets another opportunity on the 300th League start of his career at Millwall tomorrow, without the extra burden of the captaincy.

He admitted: “I am really enjoying not having it. “I’ve enjoyed it in the past, here when I was younger and at Colchester and Southampton, but Gordon Greer is a fantastic captain.

“He is brilliant to play under. “It feels different but maybe I am enjoying that little bit of freedom of not having that role.”