ALBION boss Brian Horton has rewarded Paul Armstrong for his first senior goal by making him a Millenium man.

The versatile young Irishman has been awarded a one-year extension to his existing contract.

It means he will be staying with the Seagulls until the summer of 2000.

Horton's decision to stretch Dublin-born Armstrong's deal follows his injury-time penalty which earned Albion a 1-1 draw at Chester last Friday.

"That might have done him a power of good," said Horton. "I've seen players not wanting to take penalties in that situation.

"We keep telling Paul he is a good player and he needs to believe it himself.

"He is still a young lad with natural ability and he strikes a good ball. He's just got to get a bit more confidence.

Armstrong, 20, said: "It's brilliant. I didn't think I would be told anything until right near the end of the season.

"I knew I wanted to stay and I made my mind up straight away. I'm just happy here. It's a good club."

Armstrong has been used by Horton in both his preferred central midfield role and at right wingback this season. The Chester penalty came on his 37th first-team appearance.

Horton is also discussing contracts with a couple more Albion players and hopes to strengthen his squad before Saturday's home game against Scarborough. He has already tried unsuccessfully to bring a player in on loan this week.

Rod Thomas is ruled out for around a month and John Westcott is now on the sick list as well. The young winger injured an ankle in the reserves on Tuesday.

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