Shaun Wilkinson believes he will make his full first team debut for Albion next season.

The versatile 20-year-old is convinced he stands a better chance of his breakthrough in the First Division than in the lower reaches of the League.

He has promised: "When I get my chance I will grab it."

Opportunities have been few and far between for him with the Seagulls marching to consecutive championships.

He has been limited to substitute appearances against Swansea, Plymouth and Barnet.

Wilkinson also travelled with the first team for their final day victory at Port Vale after the Second Division title had been won.

Now he feels he has come of age. He said: "I need a chance to prove myself. I have been given one in the past with my three substitute appearances but I didn't take advantage of it.

"I don't know why I didn't. It wasn't nerves, because I'm not the nervy type. It just it didn't work for me.

"With the team doing so well over the past couple of years there hasn't been a need to change the team too much.

"But I don't think they will get such good results next season and the team might be changed around a lot more, although it won't be easy for me because the first team is full of hard-working, honest players."

Wilkinson is unconcerned that the club will sign players to help them cope with the higher level.

He said: "I'll get as fit as I can, do my best and see them off."

Wilkinson, going into his fifth season at Albion, first arrived as a centre forward but he spent the bulk of last season playing right back for the reserves after switching from midfield.

"I want to concentrate on a position where I know I'll have a better chance of breaking in.

"I've been told that I'd make a centre forward and I can score goals. I only got about five last season because I was playing right back but the season before I got into double figures from midfield."

A loan period at Havant and Waterlooville in Dr Martens League last season has helped Wilkinson improve.

He said: "It's better than reserve football because you get full-bloodied games, while in the reserves it's not always like that. But I did captain the reserves last season and felt I did okay geeing the other players up and trying to lead by example with passionate performances."

Wilkinson has just signed a new one-year contract. Now he is dreaming of first team football and his ideal scenario would be to play against Portsmouth.

He said: "That would be special as it is my home club. I was with them and they didn't give me a chance. I'd love the opportunity to prove them wrong."