Brighton signing Dean Hammond says it was the right time to leave Southampton.

Hammond joined the Seagulls on a season-long loan.

"The three years I have been there I have played 85 to 90 per cent of the games and captained the team as well," he told the Daily Echo.

"We just came back and the club made the decision they were going to bring some more midfield players in.

"I am the type of player who wants to play football. I don't want to just be within a 25-man squad in the Premier League.

"As soon as I knew of Brighton's interest I jumped at the chance. "I could quite easily have stayed at Southampton , but once the opportunity came there was no turning back."