Albion loan star Jesse Lingard has targeted an extended season – and a boost to his Manchester United and England career.

Lingard is confident the Seagulls will make it into the Championship play-offs after scoring his first goal for the club in Tuesday’s revitalising 4-1 victory at promoted leaders Leicester.

The versatile striker joined Albion at the end of February on a 93-day loan which includes the play-offs.

Oscar Garcia’s side are two points off the top six with five games left, starting with tomorrow’s home game against relegation-threatened Charlton.

Lingard told The Argus: “Everyone is positive now. I think the bad run is over. We’re back in winning form and hopefully we can win all our games. I’m positive we will.”

Club and country have been keeping tabs on Lingard’s progress on the South Coast.

He said: “I still speak to the reserve manager (Warren Joyce). He’s come to a few games. I’ve spoken to the England under 21 manager, Gareth Southgate. He was down at St George’s Park the other day when we were staying there. He’s been giving me praise.

“It’s all good on my front. I’m just enjoying my football at the moment and I’m positive we’ll get to the play-offs

“It’s more game time, playing with a good team pushing for the play-offs, and it’s big, pressure games which you are going to be playing in for the rest of your career.