ALBION boss Sami Hyypia has appealed for patience with Liverpool prospect Joao Teixeira.

The 21-year-old Portugese midfielder made his debut as a second half substitute in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Birmingham, which has left the Seagulls without a point or goal from their first two matches in the Championship.

Teixeira did not meet his new team-mates until Friday evening after training with Liverpool and signing on loan for the season.

Hyypia told The Argus: “I think we need to be patient with him, try to help him fit into the group and the system as soon as possible.

“He is an intelligent player and I wouldn’t think that is a problem for him but we need to be patient, to understand that he is very young.

“Joao is a very good player, good on the ball, so I’m sure he will help our team a lot with his skills and quality.

“He had to come onto the pitch with totally strange players. It must have been a strange feeling for him as well but our group is a very good group and he will fit in very well. He can then show us more.”