Albion's FA Cup hopes have been given a massive boost by the absence of Scunthorpe's hot-headed equivalent to Bobby Zamora.

Guy Ipoua is suspended from Saturday's second round showdown at Glanford Park.

The prolific Cameroon international forward has accumulated five bookings, all of them for dissent.

Ipoua's record this season is almost identical to that of Seagulls hotshot Zamora, a former clubmate at Bristol Rovers.

The 24-year-old has grabbed all 13 of his goals at home, including consecutive hat-tricks.

Zamora's tally of 15 includes 14 at Withdean. His only away goal came at Aldershot in the last round.

Danny Cullip and Matthew Wicks kept Ipoua quiet in a 0-0 draw in the League at Withdean in October, but the African's ban dramatically improves Albion's chances of joining the Premiership big guns in Sunday's third round draw.

Scunthorpe boss Brian Laws admitted: "I want Guy to be playing in every game. There is no doubt it would make it easier versus Brighton with him in the side.

"I am sure they will be delighted he is suspended."

Meanwhile, midfielder Charlie Oatway will need clearance from the referee to wear a light plaster cast on his right hand.

Oatway, rested from Tuesday's win against Cardiff, broke bones in the hand against Shrewsbury 12 days ago and started with a plaster cast against Halifax last Saturday.

Manager Micky Adams said: "It wasn't comfortable so he kept taking it off, but it isn't a problem."