Leon Balogun is confident he can usurp Brighton's regular centre-back duo.

Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk cemented themselves at the heart of Chris Hughton's defence last season. As a consequence, their back-ups, Uwe Huenemeier and Connor Goldson, have both left this summer.

But Nigeria international Balogun, who joined from Mainz in May, isn't shying away from the challenge.

He said: "I just put in my best and that's all I can do. Then you hope it is enough.

"Of course, I can't come here and say I played in the World Cup and now I'm going to play from the start. I have to earn it and that's what I'm trying to do.

"At the same time it's always good to have competition. It will make those two (Dunk and Duffy) better as well, then we just have to take it from there, respect the decision from the gaffer, but you have to be ready at all times.

"I played with Dunky for the first time and he's very composed with the ball. I haven't seen Duffy play that much, but both are very strong physically. You can tell they have played in the UK for a long time.

"I don't think, with the qualities that I have, that I have to hide. I am just going to give it my all and then it is the decision of the gaffer."