Under-23s midfielder Stefan Vukoje sees the EFL Trophy as a great challenge for his team.
Albion head to Leyton Orient tonight for their first match in Southern Group G, which Vukoje says will give Simon Rusk’s squad a good opportunity to test themselves against League 2 opposition.
He said, “I am looking forward to the EFL Trophy matches a lot. In the last two years in the under-18s we’ve been playing against boys our own age, apart from the odd occasion when we play a men’s team, but not an EFL team.
“It’s a great challenge and if you perform well in those matches then it really puts your name out there. To perform well against a league side is very important. Playing against men is difficult. Physically they’re going to be superior – but if you use your head and move the ball quickly we can get a result out of the game.”
Vukoje is enjoying the step up to the under-23s and wants to try and settle in the squad as quickly as possible.
“Consolidating my place in the team is the most important thing at the moment,” he added.
“To perform week-in, week-out is what I am aiming for. If I perform how I know I can, then I don’t see why I can’t do well.
“Training has been good with the under-23s. We’ve had three friendlies and I have scored two goals. I think I have played well.
“But I know you have to give everything to work your way into the team because everyone is competing for positions. You have to fight for everything. If you do that you give yourself a good chance.
“Maybe that will help me get a loan for next season or even push closer to the first team. That’s my main goal long-term, to play for Brighton’s first team.”
Having had spells with the under-23s last season, the 18-year-old knows what is expected of him.
“The step up is quite noticeable. The tempo and requirements in training is at another level. If I hadn’t have known what was expected of me I would have been found out pretty quickly!
“Simon is a good coach because he demands a lot from his players. You’re really motivated to play well for him - he always wants more from you.
“He tries to get the best out of you and he doesn’t accept sloppy standards. He expects the highest quality in even the smallest things.”