Tony Stokes revealed today how glowing references from West Ham team-mate Bobby Zamora convinced him to join Albion.

Former goalscoring legend Zamora still talks fondly about his time at Albion to other players at Upton Park.

That helped Stokes make a snap decision to sign on a month's loan when the Seagulls swooped for the 19-year-old central midfielder.

"I knew I was definitely going out on loan but Brighton's name had not been mentioned," said Stokes. "There were other teams that had come in for me but I chose Brighton straight away.

"I've heard good things about Brighton from Bobby Zamora, so I'm looking forward to my stay here. He always talks about being at Brighton and how good things are."

Albion manager Mark McGhee made his move after watching Stokes impress in West Ham's 4-0 friendly victory at Cambridge United on Tuesday.

The teenager, restricted so far to one substitute appearance for Hammers in the Carling Cup, gained League experience last season with Rushden and Diamonds.

He goes straight into the squad for Albion's opening fixture at Rotherham tomorrow, together with fellow loan signing Keith Lowe from Wolves.

Meanwhile, Albion are back to square one in the long-running hunt for a centre forward, having failed to land their latest target Ben Burgess from Hull.

McGhee confirmed: "Burgess is out of the question. Phil Parkinson (Hull manager) doesn't want to let him go."