New Albion signing Tony Rougier has the pace and power to be a threat to First Division defences, according to former Seagull Brian Horton.

Boss Steve Coppell will be hoping Rougier can recapture the goal touch he showed in Division One under Horton at Port Vale.

Front man Rougier is joining Albion's relegation fight on a month's loan from Reading.

A prior engagement prevents the Trinidad and Tobago international from training with his new team-mates until tomorrow but he could make his debut at home to Millwall on Saturday.

Rougier was signed by Horton's predecessor at Vale, John Rudge, for £175,000 from Scottish club Hibernian in January 1999 after two years at Raith Rovers.

He was leading marksman with eight goals in 38 games when Vale were relegated from the First Division three years ago before moving to Reading for £325,000 in August 2000.

Horton, former Albion captain and manager, said: "Tony has a great build and he is a threat with his pace and strength.

"We had to sell him because we needed the money and he was one of our major earners."

Rougier, a born-again Christian, netted once in 33 League games last season as Reading were promoted from the Second Division as runners-up to Albion.

He has scored twice in 12 outings for Alan Pardew's third-placed Royals this term. One of those appearances was in the 1-0 win against Albion at Withdean in November, when he was substituted in the closing stages.

Competition for places up front at the Madjeski Stadium is fierce, with the likes of Nicky Forster, Darius Henderson, John Salako and Nathan Tyson.

Pardew also recently added winger Luke Chadwick to his squad on loan from Manchester United.

Coppell said: "I speak with Alan fairly regularly, but this came totally out of the blue when I phoned him up.

"Tony is a big, strong lad and he gives us options. He can play as a wide man or down the middle and the move suits Reading, the player and me."

Coppell needs forward cover because Gary Hart starts a four-match suspension on Saturday, Bobby Zamora is banned for the next away game at Gillingham, Paul Kitson is still injured and Graham Barrett is struggling for both form and goals.

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