Stefan Ljubicic wants to follow in pal Viktor Gyokeres’ footsteps and force his way into Albion’s first team picture.

And the Icelandic targetman is hoping time spent at Eastbourne Borough will be a stepping stone.

Ljubicic is set to return to the Borough side on Saturday when they head to Billericay Town and admits he is still getting used to the demands of National League South football after spending the majority of his time with Seagulls’ under-18s and then the under-23s.

But Gyokeres’ rise from within the ranks of Simon Rusk’s development group to being part of the Albion FA Cup and Premier squads is serving as an inspiration to the 19-year-old.

Ljubicic said: “Me and Viktor are really good friends because we are both from Scandinavia.

“Fair play, he’s been unbelievable this season and got a chance in the FA Cup, did well and, hopefully, I can do the same.

“Sometimes it is just one step at a time. They are testing me here and if I do well, then it could be the league above and after that...”

Gyokeres’ rapid promotion, and first cap for Sweden, has shown Ljubicic just how quickly things can happen.

Ljubicic added: “He didn’t expect it himself. One day he just went training then someone got injured, he joined the squad and then came on in the FA Cup and did well.

“It’s good for him and that is everyone’s dream as a young player to be in a Premier League side. And that’s my number one plan too.”

Ljubicic made his debut in a 2-0 defeat at Truro a fortnight ago and set up Charlie Walker for a goal in the 2-2 draw with Oxford City last weekend.

He also showed some nice touches to link up play.

He said: “It is very different to what I am used to.

“It is a greater physicality and that’s what I need because I am a big striker.

“I want to test myself here and it’s going quite well.

“The first game we lost 2-0 but this latest game we were unlucky and it’s getting better with every game.

“The managers told me when I came that they need my help.

“That’s what I can bring to the game.

“I can hold the ball up, I can score goals and I can get in the box.

“I haven’t scored a goal yet but that’s my number one plan here, to score goals and help the team.”

That will be music to Borough boss Jamie Howell’s ears.

He has already urged the Iceland under-21 frontman to be more selfish.

Ljubicic said: “I like to help my team and as a striker you need to be quite greedy. The best strikers in the world are greedy and they score goals - that’s why they are the best in the world.

“I try to score but if I see a team-mate who will have a better chance than me, I am going to pass him the ball. That’s just how I play.”