How many Albion fans spotted the lean youth kitted out on the pitch before kick-off at Ninian Park last Saturday?

He was not like the cheekie chap who infiltrated Manchester United's team photo in the Champions League last season.

It was in fact the Seagulls' teenage prospect Daniel Harding, celebrating a call-up to the first team squad.

The fair-haired Harding was rewarded by boss Micky Adams for his encouraging form in the youth and reserve teams.

And once the anxiety of being the new kid on the block drifted away, he thoroughly enjoyed himself.

Adams' assistant Bob Booker and youth team coach Dean Wilkins broke the news to Harding at the training ground, 48 hours before the trip to Wales.

Harding said: "I was a little bit surprised and nervous as well. But I really looked forward to it and it was a great experience.

"It was a bit scary to start with, then after dinner I got to know the boys a bit better and it was great after that.

"Keelo (John Keeley) the kit man helped me and Will Packham was also a big help. I went out as part of the warm-up as well, which was nice."

Soldier's son Harding has been with Albion on and off for five years. He fled the Seagulls at one stage, because he was uncertain whether to make football his career.

He said: "I was here as a schoolboy at the age of 12 with Vic Bragg, then I left. I didn't see the point of taking football that seriously when I was that young.

"I just stayed with my local club Hove Park Colts up until the last year before I could be taken on.

"I have just started my second year as a YTS and I am still 17. I was born in Gloucester, but my old man was in the army so I moved about quite a bit."

Seaford-based Harding has proved to be a versatile performer, seemingly capable of taking a step up in standard in his stride.

He said: "When I first started out at the club I was in the centre of midfield. Then for my last year before I got taken on I went back to leftback.

"When I came to the club on the YT scheme I didn't really have a set position. I played one game for the youth team in the centre of midfield and did really well.

"Dean has kept me there ever since, but I have been leftback for the reserves. I played quite a few reserve games towards the end of last season and scored on my debut against Northampton at Worthing."

There was a worrying moment for Harding back at Worthing, which almost wrecked his first team squad call-up.

He was the victim of a bad tackle in the reserves which earned Wycombe's Ian Simpemba an instant red card.

Fortunately the damage was not sufficient to spoil his senior chance and Harding now has his sights set on more top level action.

He said: "My first aim is to be involved with the first team as much as possible. Then I can start think about trying to get a professional contract next year."

Adams has hinted Harding may be granted his wish when Albion return to Wales on Tuesday week to face one of his old clubs Swansea in the LDV Vans Trophy.

Fellow rookie Dean Hammond received his opportunity against Cardiff in the same competition last season.

Adams said: "I might experiment against Swansea in the LDV and he (Harding) might be in the shake-up.

"We took him to Cardiff to give him a bit of experience. He is coming along nicely and I am keen to promote from the ranks.

"He has been performing as well as anybody in the reserves, so he deserved his call-up."

The Cardiff clash was also special for a player at the opposite end of the experience spectrum to Harding.

Albion's veteran skipper Paul Rogers played his 100th League game for the Seagulls and the 400th of his career in all competitions.