Albion manager Chris Hughton has predicted a bright future for James Tilley after turning him into one of the club's youngest ever first team players.
Tilley, who signed a professional contract last month, came on in the dying seconds of the goalless draw at Middlesbrough as the Seagulls ended a miserable Championship campaign in 20th place with 47 points.
Tilley, from Weald School, replaced Jake Forster-Caskey, who became the youngest player in Albion's history in 2010 when coming on as a sub against Yeovil at Withdean, aged 16 and 13 days.
First year scholar Tilley, not 17 until June, has caught the eye this season in the under-16s, under-18s and under-21s.
Hughton told The Argus: "I've seen him play and there is no doubt he is a talent. I haven't seen a lot of him, because most of my time has been spent with the first team, but he is a lad that has done really well.
"He's a bright prospect. He's trained with us and didn't seem fazed by it.
"We've got Lewis Dunk, Christian Walton, Jake Forster-Caskey that have all come through the system. That's nice for our supporters to see and I hope James is another one that is able to make progress.
"He can play No.10 or wide in a different type of role, the sort of role Caskey played for us (at Middlesbrough)."
The final whistle blew as soon as Tilley stepped onto the pitch.
Hughton said: "I would have been a bit more nervous to bring him on earlier, not just for us but also for the boy as well. "It's nice for him to be on a side that wasn't a losing side but it's also a nice one I think for the supporters and the club."
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