The dossier was lying on Mark McGhee's desk.

The Albion manager picked it up and went through it. So did his assistant Bob Booker. Even Dean White, coach and reserve team manager, had a peak.

Ian Morley had compiled as much information on QPR as his experience would allow, hoping it would be of some use when the Seagulls visit Loftus Road on New Year's Day.

As it was the first time he had scouted for a professional club, his report on QPR's 1-0 defeat at Reading last Saturday might not have been much used.

But Albion's three wise men gave Morley's efforts a unanimous thumbs-up.

Morley, 32, an Albion fan for 26 years, got the chance to scout for his favourite club after winning a Heroes and Winners lottery draw earlier in the season.

McGhee was delighted with Morley's efforts.

He said: "If we beat QPR, Ian will definitely have made a contribution. What he has done has been taken on board along with our own thoughts.

"His efforts were first class. I wouldn't patronise him just by saying that. It looked exactly as you would expect a report on the opposition to look.

"It was maybe simpler than we are used to but that was no bad thing. Sometimes scouts can over-elaborate. He described the shape of the QPR team and their pattern of play. He went through what they did at set pieces and their players individually.

"He also made one or two observations beyond that which might prove useful, like how their centre-backs George Santos and Danny Shittu switched sides.

"We took our time with him. There was no way we were just going to go through the motions. It was my idea initially and we wanted the boy to have a genuine experience.

"It wasn't a case of bringing him in, having a chat and then throwing his report in the bucket as soon as he was out the door."

Morley was thrilled that his efforts have been of use to Albion who visit Loftus Road on New Year's Day.

He said: "I went up to the training ground for a meeting with Mark McGhee and Bob Booker. It was a busy morning because Danny Cullip popped in saying what turned out to be his goodbyes. But Mark and Bob gave me a thorough briefing.

"Bob did most of the talking. He wanted me to find out Rangers' formation, how they lined up for set pieces, what signals they used, where their players moved for them.

"He gave me cards with the pitch outlined so I could illustrate it all. He then gave me a sheet so I could go through each player's position, height and whether he was left or right footed. Mark wanted me to make observations of my own.

"At the game my cousin and I sat in a sparsely populated section for scouts and Mick Harford, the Nottingham Forest caretaker manager, was a few seats along.

"It was just as well I had my work to do as it was a boring game.

"I noticed how their centre-backs switched. The mainly left-sided Santos could be caught out of position and their left back Gino Padula didn't like heading the ball.

"They seemed pleased with what I'd done and Bob said I might be able to do another but I would have to pay my own expenses!

"It was a fantastic experience. I don't know if Bob was joking when he said I could scout for Albion again, but I wouldn't mind.

"Hopefully we can get the three points but I try to be slightly pessimistic so I'm not disappointed. I predict a 1-1 draw.

"Unfortunately I'm going to miss the game. Normally my wife Pauline and I go with Rangers friends of ours. But with a baby, and relatives to see over the holiday, it isn't possible.

"But I wish the team well and hopefully we can stay in the division for next season. If they can find a 13-goal a season player like Rangers and Reading have in Paul Furlong and Dave Kitson on loan next month it might help."