David Lopez has revealed how FA Cup hero Jesse Lingard honed his volleying skills on the playing fields of Falmer.

Lingard, the former Albion loanee, delighted his old club’s fans by firing the winner against their foes Crystal Palace for Manchester United.

The Mancunian scored four goals on loan to the Seagulls in the second half of the 2013-14 season and worked on his volleying skills after hours at the club’s former training base at the University of Sussex.

Former Albion favourite David, now playing in the Spanish second tier, told The Argus: “I saw the goal – a great goal.

“It didn’t surprise me because we used to stay behind and try all sort of shots after training – and we especially loved volleys. We’d stay for quite a while and there were three or four of us who were always out there.”

Lingard came off the bench to replace goalscorer Juan Mata and help ten-man United sink the Eagles 2-1 in extra-time after ex-Lewes midfielder Jason Puncheon had given Palace the lead.

He said: “I saw it come across, it landed nicely for me. All I had to do was hit it sweet and lucky I did that.”

The substitute’s strike completed a notable double for Albion old boys after his former attacking sidekick at the Amex, Leo Ulloa, helped Leicester win the Premier League title.