Adam El-Abd has admitted it “killed” him to sit on the bench for Albion.

But he is relishing the chance to play regular football at Bristol City.

The long-serving Seagulls defender has moved west on a three-and-a-half year deal.

He has only started five games for the Seagulls this term.

In an interview for the youtube channel produced by the team behind bcfc.co.uk he admitted: “I just felt the time was right to move on. I want to play football.

“It’s my love of football that has brought me down here.

“It killed me to sit on the bench for so long at Brighton, not really getting a fair crack.

I’m down here to have that and to play some football, which I’m really looking forward to.”

El-Abd insists he will retain a strong affection for Albion.

He said: “I’ve been at Brighton since I was nine years old. It’s a great club.

“I love the club but I felt the time is now for a fresh challenge.”