BERAM KAYAL has thanked Albion for awarding him a new contract when he was crocked.

The Israel midfielder signed a new two-and-a-half-year deal in November, halfway through his recovery from a broken ankle.

Injury-plagued Kayal is now back in the first team and keen to help the Seagulls clinch promotion to the Premier League.

He told The Argus: “I appreciate all the support the club have given me. They gave me the contract when I was injured. We had been speaking about it for a while.

“I appreciate it more and more, especially when you are injured and the club show how important it is to keep you here.

“I’m ready and hungry to go again and give everything for this club.

“In these last games I will give everything to the team, enjoying every moment, if I am playing or not playing.”

Kayal, 28, has been sent home from the Israel squad due to illness ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Spain in Gijon on Friday night.

Italy are also in the group, so they have little chance of reaching the 2018 finals in Russia, but FIFA plan to expand the tournament to 48 countries from 2026.

“That will be good for us and maybe we’ll have a chance of qualifying for our first major tournament, because we are always dreaming,” Kayal said.

“While my main focus is Brighton, I’m always proud to play for my country.

“We have a tough World Cup group but we are making progress as a team.”