Albion are likely to be without star striker Bobby Zamora for two of their first seven home matches next season.

Zamora is poised to miss the relegated Seagulls' Withdean games against Swindon on September 6 and Grimsby on October 11.

The Albion hitman is expected to be involved in England under-21s' European Championship qualifiers in Macedonia on September 5 and Turkey on October 10.

He has featured regularly in David Platt's under-21 squad since making his international debut last season.

Albion boss Steve Coppell, a former England international, believes in releasing players to play for their country.

Zamora is just eligible for the entire European Championship campaign, culminating in the finals next May.

Players had to be born on or after January 1, 1981 and he was born on January 16, 1981.

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago's renewed interest in Zamora has been thwarted by international regulations.

Zamora qualifies to play for them through his father. They wanted him a couple of years ago, when Ian Porterfield was coach, but he opted for England instead.

Stuart Charles-Fevrier, the current Trinidad coach, reportedly wants Zamora again but Albion's prolific goalscorer can now only play for England.

An FA spokesman said: "FIFA regulations state if you have played in a competitive match at any level then you are committed to that country.

"Bobby has played in European Championship qualifiers for England, so he is no longer available for any other country."

Albion's home match against Port Vale, managed by the Seagulls' ex-captain and boss Brian Horton, has been brought forward 24 hours to Friday, December 12 in line with playing regulations for Withdean.

No other changes are anticipated to the fixtures published last week although opening day opponents Oldham are on the brink of closure following the breakdown of a deal to sell the club.

If the deal is not revived and concluded before the players' pay-day on Friday, Oldham could be liquidated.

There are still plenty of tickets left for Albion's only home friendly against Micky Adams' Leicester on August 4.

Adult seats cost £17 for the North Stand, £15 for the uncovered South Stand.

Albion have extended their shirt sponsorship with Skint Records to a fifth year.

The Brighton-based record label have agreed a six-figure deal for the forthcoming season.