Bruno is set to lead Albion into the Premier League if they are promoted.

The veteran Spanish skipper, hailed as a “model professional” by manager Chris Hughton, has agreed another one-year contract extension.

The new deal takes him through to the end of next season, which will be his sixth with the Seagulls.

Albion have handed Bruno, 36, a new contract months before his existing one was due to expire in recognition of the way he has led the side this season since replacing the departed Gordon Greer as captain and his remarkable fitness levels.

The former Valencia right-back has started 82 of the last 84 Championship matches over the course of the last two campaigns.

Hughton said: “Bruno has earned his extension. He has played almost every league game and sets a great example on and off the pitch.

“He has been a model professional and has been a great player to work with.

“He’s been really consistent throughout my time here and has been one of our key players. He works hard to keep himself in great shape and looks after himself very well. I’m delighted he has extended his time with the club.”

Barcelona-born Bruno was snapped up by Albion on a free transfer from Valencia in the summer of 2012. He made more than 100 La Liga appearances in Spain, where he also played for Espanyol, Lleida and Almeria, and has clocked up over 150 outings for the Seagulls.

A second groin injury sustained in Friday’s 3-0 home win over Derby County is poised to cause another minor dent to his appearances record.

A slight groin strain ended a run of 72 successive league starts when Bruno was sidelined from matches at the Amex against Sheffield Wednesday and Cardiff in January.

Five other members of Hughton’s squad are out of contract at the end of the season - goalkeepers David Stockdale and Niki Maenpaa, left-back Gaetan Bong and midfielders Dale Stephens and Steve Sidwell.