Stephen Ward has been praised for the way he has Bridged the gap in the Albion defence.

Ward has been ever-present since the Seagulls signed him on loan from Wolves three games into the season to fill the left-back vacancy created by Wayne Bridge’s summer move to Reading.

The former Republic of Ireland international has helped Albion to four clean sheets in nine appearances and a total of eight goals conceded.

Assistant head coach Nathan Jones told The Argus: “We knew we needed to fill that void left by Wayne Bridge. Wayne is a fantastic player. He was a real sort of bonus for Brighton if you like.

“We missed that at the beginning of the season, no disrespect to anyone who played there, but Wayne is one of the division’s best.

“So we felt we needed to add someone that knew the position, that was experienced, that knew the division and had a quality that befits Brighton.

“We had a number of targets, we enquired about a few and Stephen just fitted the bill. He is an international, he’s played in the Premier League, he knows the division. He is a good, experienced player.”

Jones believes there is also better to come from Ward, who is on loan for the rest of the season.

Oscar Garcia’s No. 2 said: “He can improve and he will improve, because of things we are working on with him. He needs to add stuff to his game but he will.

“He has got his feet on the ground and he’s a great lad to have around the place, very well liked. He has fitted into our structure very well so we are pleased with him.”