Albion are heading for a club versus country collision involving star striker Bobby Zamora.

He could be unavailable for some of the Seagulls' Division One fixtures if he keeps his place in David Platt's England under-21 squad.

The under-21s launch their season against Yugoslavia at Bolton on September 6, the day before Albion's away match at Millwall.

FIFA regulations entitle England to pick Zamora, but Platt is likely to liaise with Albion first.

He may choose to leave out the Seagulls' prolific goalscorer as the Yugoslavia match is only a friendly and Platt will still have the bulk of the country's young talent to choose from.

The vast majority of his squad is made up of Premier League players and there is no Premier League programme that weekend.

Platt's attitude in relation to Zamora could change, however, once England's qualifying campaign for the European Under-21 Championships gets under way.

They visit Slovakia on October 11 and entertain Macedonia at Reading on October 15. Those matches conflict with Albion's fixture at Platt's former club Nottingham Forest on October 12.

The under-21s have further qualifying games next year against Turkey and Portugal.

Albion boss Martin Hinshelwood said: "It's something we have got to think about if it happens.

"I would like to be in that position in some way, because it would probably mean Bobby has started the season well and is scoring goals.

"I have got to look at it from the club's point of view. I cannot afford not to have Bobby in my team.

"We want him to play for England. It's great for him and an honour for the club as well, but if there is a clash we will have to look carefully at it, especially at this time of year.

"It might be different towards the end of the season if our League position is sorted out."

Zamora has only just forced his way into Platt's plans.

He made his debut as a late substitute against Portugal at Stoke in April and two further substitute appearances against Italy and the Portugese at the European Championships in Switzerland in May.

Zamora qualifies to play for the under-21s again this season by just 15 days. The cut-off date is 1st January 1981 and the former Bristol Rovers marksman was born on January 16.

Pre-season preview and more at thisisthealbion.co.uk