He is a player known for his practical jokes and colourful character.

But the tables were turned on Robbie Savage yesterday as he arrived for his first day’s training with Brighton and Hove Albion.

The midfielder, who has just joined the Seagulls on a month’s loan, arrived at the club’s Falmer training ground at 9.30am in his black Mercedes, to find he was the subject of a prank.

Assistant manager Bob Booker had dressed up in a car parking attendant’s fluorescent jacket, complete with goofy teeth and Robbie Savage-esque long blonde hair.

Booker gestured to the player to drive into a coned-off parking space before asking if he would sign an Albion shirt.

"I think you’re great," said Booker.

Still unaware he was the subject of the prank, Savage politely obliged and even posed for photos with the "fan".

The whole thing was being watched from the changing room windows by the rest of the Albion team along with club boss Mickey Adams, who helped mastermind the joke.

There were howls of laughter as Booker, still in disguise, asked Savage if he could sit in his car.

The player looked totally bewildered and ambled off into the changing rooms.

Adams later told the Argus: "It was a bit of a joint effort, we thought we’d do something to welcome him down here."

The prank certainly got Savage’s first day in Brighton off to a light-hearted start.

Savage trained with the team and is likely to be handed a starting spot in midfield for Saturday’s home game against struggling Cheltenham.

Savage, who turns 34 later this month, told the Argus: "I’m just glad to be down here and hopefully I can prove that I’m still a good player.

"Despite what some people may say, I know I’m still a good player.

"The lads seem really great and obviously there is a few characters. I met Bob Booker this morning and again he’s a real character, they’ve all got a real sense of humour."

Savage also claimed he had mellowed in recent months and would not live up to his reputation as a dirty player.

One word of advice though Robbie: If you see a long-haired parking attendant trying to help you out, give them the red card.

To see exclusive video footage of the Robbie Savage prank click here.