Manager Micky Adams expects Chris Birchall to add vitality and desire in Albion’s midfield after making the Trinidad and Tobago international his first transfer window capture.

Birchall, on trial with the Seagulls for the past fortnight, has signed a deal for the rest of the season and could be handed his debut against Leeds at Withdean today.

Adams, who bought the 24-year-old from Port Vale when he was in charge of Coventry, said: “He will bring us energy. He can play in a couple of positions, right side or in the middle of the park, and he is trying to earn himself a contract for next season.

“In the two weeks that he has been here he certainly hasn’t looked out of place. He has fitted in well with the lads and I think that is important.”

Birchall has compromised after revealing to The Argus earlier in the week that he ideally wanted a two or three-year deal.

International commitments will rule him out of at least one game between now and the end of the season.

Trinidad and Tobago entertain Honduras in a World Cup qualifier on March 28, the day Albion host Tranmere.

They launch their qualifying campaign in El Salvador on February 11, which is between Albion fixtures at Hereford and at home to Carlisle, and visit the USA on April 1, three days before the Seagulls go to MK Dons.

The Trinidad and Tobago squad leaves for Argentina next week for a training camp in preparation for the El Salvador match but Birchall is not expected to go.

Albion are happy that he can juggle his club and country commitments. Chairman Dick Knight said: "He is experienced in dealing with the travel and we're confident it won't affect his club performances."

Birchall is eager to be involved against Leeds after impressing in a full-scale training match on Monday and getting another 90 minutes under his belt in the reserves the following night.

He said: "You couldn't get a bigger game in League One. Hopefully we can have a good performance, because it has been a bit frustrating over the last couple of weeks where the games have been postponed.

"The lads have been brilliant and training has gone really well. The last two weeks have been pure fitness and really intense and now is the right time for me to try and get into the squad."