Matt O'Riley started for Albion as they beat Tromso (Image: Simon Dack)
Matt O'Riley started for Albion as they beat Tromso (Image: Simon Dack)
Albion are poised for a decision on the immediate future of Matt O’Riley after he helped them into the Conference League group stage.
The Denmark midfielder made a surprise start in the 4-0 win at home to Tromso after Jack Hinshelwood was ruled out.
Pre-season was disrupted for O’Riley due to illness.
But he stepped up to play his part in a comprehensive win which means the Seagulls will need a sizeable squad for the coming months.
Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler said: “First of all, I wouldn’t say that injures forced this decision.
“We still had other opportunities to replace Jack.
“It was a decision because Matt O’Riley deserved it.
“Good training sessions, because of how he presents as a player, as a person and also as a team player.
“I think he had a really good approach today.
“It isn’t easy for him, coming into the team in a big game, in a very important game for us as a club.
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“He did his job well. He of course struggled at the end with physicality.
“He suffered, he sacrificed a lot for the team and that is something I really want to emphasise because that is what we need here.
“That is what we all really appreciate and let’s see how we will decide regarding his future.
“But overall I am happy to have him here.”