Hope Powell wants to help turn Ini Umotong into a complete centre-forward.

The Albion coach is working on Umotong’s tactical and defensive game in readiness for WSL1 next season.

Powell is keen to get all her players up to speed before their debut campaign in the top-flight.

But Umotong’s level of development was thrown into focus when she was recently recalled by the Nigeria international set-up.

To the striker’s frustration, Nigeria pulled out of this week’s Turkish Women’s Cup at short notice.

That has left Umotong waiting for her chance but she recognises she is learning fast at the Lancing training complex.

Powell told The Argus: “It’s just about her understanding of the position she plays. That’s not just Ini, that’s everybody.

“It is about understanding her defensive responsibility, which sometimes as a centre-forward you tend to do not very well.

“I would say that, by Ini’s own admission, she doesn’t do that very well.

“Her game is all about going forward but, at this level, there is a degree of defensive responsibility.

“Certainly, when we go into WSL1 we will need all 11 players to be able to attack and defend and Ini will be no different.”

Umotong has five WSL2 goals for Albion, making her their joint top scorer in the league along with Aileen Whelan.

She highlighted how she had improved tactically when speaking to The Argus recently.

But the chance to show that off on the international circuit has been put on hold.

Powell believes she will reap the benefit of representative action when it comes around.

The Albion boss said: “I know the Nigeria coach very well and I had a conversation with him about any information he needed about Ini.

“We are happy to help so it helps her and it helps Brighton.

“I know why he is doing it. He is bringing in all the players he can and he is going to have a look at everybody.

“Rightly so. He started the job in February so he has got to get grips with who is who very quickly.

“I am sure he will because he is a very talented guy.”

Albion, third in WSL2, do not return to competitive action until they go to Sheffield on March 25.

Their next home game sees Tottenham Hotspur visit Culver Road on April 1.

They still have home games against top two Doncaster and Millwall to come as they plot a late title challenge.