Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi says Carlos Baleba has his backing.

The midfielder was hooked at halftime of last night's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.

De Zerbi said: "Baleba is not ready yet to play at this level but he has incredible potential and the policy of Brighton is to play with many young players.

“We have to accept and we have to be happy to play, to work, with these young players.

“Welbeck is different to Baleba. Pascal Gross is different to Baleba.

“But Baleba is the future of the club.

“Adingra the same, Evan Ferguson the same, Facundo Buonanotte the same.

“Yes, I can say we lost two points but the truth is not this.

“The truth is we are playing a lot of games and to keep this level we have to play better.

“Like this is not enough."