Andone Feeling Good After Injury Return

Brighton & Hove Albion striker Florin Andone was delighted to make his long-awaited return from injury on Friday evening, as the Romanian featured for the club’s under-23 side against West Ham United at the Amex Stadium.

The 25-year-old played the opening 45 minutes of Albion’s 2-1 victory over the Hammers, and he showed his satisfaction to be back on the pitch after a frustrating time on the sidelines.

He said, “I’m very happy to be back after being injured for the last four months. I’m feeling good and am very positive. My injury is in the past now and I’m fit.

“I’m happy for the boys because they won the game in the second half. It was a good game for me, and also for the team.

“It was very important for me to see if I’m ready. I felt really good. It was a league game and the team needed to win. It was a good result for us.

“I tried my best to help the team - it wasn’t the score we wanted at half-time, but I’m happy for the team because they worked hard to win the game.”

Andone could feature in Chris Hughton’s squad at Southampton on Monday evening, and the forward expressed his desire to come into the manager’s plans, while also explaining his previous injury problems.

“It was the groin last season with Deportivo. I had problems when I started here and I had to stop for a month.

“After, when I came back, I had problems with my quad and was out for another five weeks. It was very hard for me because I was very excited to play and be in the squad.

“But I’m finally ready and if the coach decides on Monday - I’m ready to be in the squad and help the team.

“I would like to be in the squad because I’ve worked very hard this week over the past two months. If the coaches decides now is the moment, then I’m ready.”