Brighton & Hove Albion sign Wolves striker Sam Vokes

Vokes has scored four goals in 19 appearances for Wales

Brighton & Hove Albion have signed Wolves striker Sam Vokes on loan until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old Wales international has had five loan spells away from Molineux since joining the Black Country outfit in the summer of 2008.

Vokes told BBC Sussex: "I think I need to settle down in my career and it's a fantastic chance for me to come here and play some football.

"It's a matter of playing games and, as a striker, scoring goals."

Vokes spent time at Bristol City, Sheffield United and Norwich last season, and scored two goals in nine appearances while on loan at Burnley earlier in the current campaign.

He added: "I've had a few injury problems and not been able to establish myself in the side at Wolves so that's a big reason for me going out on loan.

"I don't want to sit around - I love playing.

"Brighton have a great way of playing football that is different to a lot of teams in the Championship."

Seagulls manager Gus Poyet added: "Sam was one of the players we've been following for a long time but it's been difficult to get him.

"The idea was to bring someone who will give us that presence and strength in the air that we don't have.

"We've got the time to explain how we play and what he needs to do for us. The quicker he adapts, the easier for us.

"I'm delighted to have him and I hope it works for him.

"He's been trying to find that place that he can stay for a few years."