Darren Bent wants to add the finishing touch to Sami Hyypia’s faltering Brighton & Hove Albion side having joined on loan from Aston Villa.

The former Sunderland striker is expected to make his debut against Fulham on Saturday after signing for a month on loan.

It would be his first league start for seven months having long since lost his place at Villa Park.

The Seagulls have managed just five goals in their last six home games, despite creating several openings.

But Bent, who has 106 Premier League goals to his name, fancies his chances of putting that right.

He said: “As a striker there is no better feeling than if your team is creating chances.

“You know it’s down to you to finish them off.

“That is what I’ve done for years. Given opportunities and playing time I’ve always managed to do it. Hopefully it can continue.”

Bent has been restricted to seven substitute appearances in the Premier League this term, plus 90 minutes in Villa’s embarrassing Capital One Cup defeat at home to Leyton Orient.

But he is ready to be thrown into a six-pointer at the wrong end of the Championship.

He declared: “I’ve been raring to go for a while.

“I thought pre-season went well for Villa but this season has obviously not worked out well.

“I have not played as much football as I would have liked to.

“It’s a fantastic club but at the same time I can’t wait forever.

“Brighton felt like the perfect place to come and play football, especially with someone like Sami Hyypia, who I’ve played against many times over the years.”

Bent’s deal could be extended beyond its December 29 expiry date.

His arrival presents Hyypia with another five-from-six selection conundrum as he decides which of his on-loan sextet does not make the matchday 18.

It could also pave the way for Chris O’Grady to go out on loan before the window closes today.

O’Grady did not make the 18 at Norwich last Saturday and his chances could recede further as Bent and Elliott Bennett come into the reckoning against Fulham.

The summer signing from Barnsley trained with the Seagulls yesterday but is known to be interesting Sheffield United and Preston.