Brighton player-coach Andrew Crofts is delighted with what he's seen from their U23s.

The midfielder, now in his third spell with the the Seagulls, believes the environment can get the young guns ready for the next step.

Crofts, 35, said: “Since I have come in it's been brilliant.

“It's like a first team and fair play to Simon Rusk and Shannon Ruth (assistant coach).

“I've stepped into an environment where it's just like being in the first team.

“The good habits, the high standards day in day out – they demand the highest and that's what the boys demand.

“You are going to have off-days now and then but they are young players and they are learning.

“If you can get those habits instilled in them at early ages you can see exactly what they are all about.

“There are always going to be bumps along the road."