Brighton & Hove Albion manager Gus Poyet has conceded that he will have to look to bring in a striker on loan in the next few days.

Poyet lost Craig Mackail-Smith to an Achilles injury in midweek and today saw Ashley Barnes controversially sent off, with the striker facing the prospect of a minimum four-match ban.

Although he isn't a fan of loaning players, Poyet admitted that he has now been forced into action and hopes to bring a new player in before Tuesday's match against Barnsley.

"I have to," he said. "I'm not a fan of the loan system, but I'm not going to not use it because I don't like it.

"I was thinking we needed a striker, maybe we need two, but I need a striker now. I cannot wait even until Tuesday.

"I was thinking of having a nice trip back on the bus but I think I'm going to be on the phone calling people and trying to sort it out now, so maybe he can train with us tomorrow or Monday."

Brighton suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bolton Wanderers this evening, a result which saw them drop out of the playoff positions.