Albion have confirmed Rob Hunt's loan departure to League One strugglers Oldham for the rest of the season.

The 21-year-old right-back goes straight into the Latics' squad for Saturday's home game against Bradford City.

Albion boss Chris Hughton said: "This is a great move for Rob and one which we feel will benefit all parties. The opportunity is there for him to go and play regular football, week in, week out in League One and that will really benefit his development.

"There is no doubting he is a player with great potential, but at this stage he needs to be out there playing regularly. Initially it had been the plan to send him on loan in the summer, but with the injury to Liam (Rosenior) we needed him with the first team as cover for the full-back positions.

"He's benefited from training with the first team and from playing in a number of the cup competitions, but now he wants to go out on loan and play regularly and it is a good time for him go and do that.

"With Seb Pocognoli fit, Bruno and Liam both back training, Fikayo Tomori here from Chelsea on loan, Gaetan Bong not too far away from returning to training and Sam Adekugbe and Connor Goldson too, we have good cover for both of the two full-back positions."

Oldham saw off competition from Crawley and Portsmouth to land Dagenham-born Hunt.

Manager John Sheridan said: "He plays as a right wing-back or right-back and can also play at left-back. There were a few clubs after him and we are very lucky to get him.

"He has really good potential and has played for Brighton's first team this year.

"He is a young player who needs to come out of the under-21s and under-23s to play in a bit more of a physical league. It will do him the world of good. He has the ability to have a really good career."