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Who’s next? Albion challenge their youngsters after duo make debuts

Winger Nehemiah Oriola and midfielder Joe Knight made Premier League debuts for the Seagulls against Leeds.

They then headed to York for the following day’s PL2 clash between the same clubs,

While the debuts in themselves were very brief – lasting just a few seconds – they had significance.

They underlined just how pleased Fabian Hurzeler and his staff have been with the pair in regular training session with the senior squad.

Both will also be aware that this is just a start or foot in the door.

Some Albion fans will recall, for example, a similarly brief league debut for James Tilley, who got on at Middlesbrough at the very end of the 2014-15 season, just in time to hear the final whistle.

Those few seconds proved to be the Billingshurst boy’s only league appearance for the club.

But Albion are clearly excited and thrilled for both Oriola and Knight, who are very different types of players but share the same right attitude.

And they know the buzz around seeing them arrive in York at the weekend will have rubbed off on other players.

Under-21s boss Shannon Ruth said: “It’s wonderful for both Joe and Miah. But the hard work hasn’t stopped for them.

“The challenge for the rest of the squad is who’s going to be the next? That’s what I said to the group in the dressing-room.

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“Who could be the next one to take that step? That should be their focus, going forward.”

Several under-21s have trained with the senior squad under Hurzeler, as also happened with Roberto De Zerbi.

Ruth told brightonandhovealbion.com: “It was a really special day for Joe who has been here since he was with the under-eights.

“He becomes our second academy player who has edone that, following in the footsteps of Jack Hinshelwood.

“And Charlie Tasker has gone on to make his first-team debut in the Carabao Cup. He has been here since playing for the under-eights, too.

“It’s a wonderful feather in the cap for every academy staff member that has worked with them. I get the privilege of being the last coach before they do take that step.

“But we can’t forget the under-12s coach, the under-nines coach, the sports’ scientists and the people in our academy development who all impact young players.

“I know that seeing those two come on would have put a smile on a lot of a lot of staff members' faces and it gives hope to every academy player at our club. And I think for any young player that hope is the most important thing.

“Again, it shows the wonderful pathway we have at our football club for young players.”

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