Carl Rushworth has said he has full faith in the club’s plan for him to progress his career.
The 20-year-old is on a season-long loan with League Two Walsall, having previously spent time on loan with Worthing, as well as a campaign with Albion’s under-23s.
“I feel like I am making steps as a player and I can see the progress I have made in the past few seasons with Brighton. The club have got a good idea of how I can continue to grow my career.
“I have complete faith in the club and trust them with my development. A part of the structure is that they reward you when you’re doing well, and that’s a part of what this new contract is.
“I know what the pathway is, I know the club like me and that’s why I was happy to commit my future here, because I believe in that pathway.”
Players like Rob Sanchez who have graduated from the Albion academy are role models for not just himself, but other young players, according to Rushworth.
“It’s massive to see players like Rob given his opportunity. It gives me faith and the other lads, not just goalkeepers, that the gaffer will choose players because of how well they’re performing and the effort their putting in, not just experience.
“It's a big thing to see Rob [Sanchez] get his chance, he is evidence of being rewarded for showing his qualities.”
The former Huddersfield Town and Halifax Town keeper will fulfil his season on loan with Walsall – a spell he is thoroughly enjoying.
“At the start of the season I was a lot busier in terms of facing shots, but I enjoyed it and it’s been a good challenge. We were a new team, it took a little bit of time for us to gel as you would expect, but now we’re a good cohesive unit and I am not as busy.
“It’s been a big step-up from the under-23s to Walsall because three points is the be-all and end-all in a first team dressing room. You can see the passion that goes into achieving that.
“I am barking a lot of instructions during games, I find on a Monday morning I still haven’t got my voice back from the Saturday afternoon! It can be a bit tough when you’re playing in front of a big crowd, you need to try and be heard. It keeps me focussed in games.”