Lamptey: I've been kicking every ball from the sofa

Tariq Lamptey has been keeping himself busy with books, FIFA 21 and Albion matches during his recovery from hamstring surgery.

The 20-year-old has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign and is getting to grips with the first long-term injury of his career.

“My recovery is going well, I thank God the surgery was successful and my aim now is to be back fitter and stronger. I am not used to getting any injuries, I like to think I am quite fit and strong, so I’ve never had this problem before.

“It’s about getting my head around it. I have to keep positive, to reflect, and better myself. I want to keep moving forward.

“I was enjoying every minute of playing. It’s frustrating being injured, but you have to look at the positives.”

The right-back has managed to keep himself busy while not in the first team picture though.

FIFA Ultimate Team - a mode on the game where people can play against each other with teams they have build teams using footballers from around the world - has taken a backseat in recent weeks though.

“I have watched all the Brighton games, I support and encourage from home and am kicking every ball from my sofa! I want to do whatever I can to help the team, I put a message in our group before each game. The results recently have boosted everyone.

“I like reading a lot so that’s kept my mind busy – I am reading Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, I like books about psychology. I can’t have loads of books on the go at once though, I just need the one to focus on, I can’t juggle.

“I was studying until last year, I was doing my A-Levels in business, so with that out the way now I am normally on FIFA. I had to give up on Ultimate Team, some of the packs I was getting weren't making me happy!"