James Tilley has been urged to keep working on his end product in the quest to return to Albion’s senior set-up.

Tilley has been piling up assists and goals recently for the Seagulls’ under-23s.

It is now almost two years since the midfielder made a very brief Championship debut as substitute at Middlesbrough in place of Jake Forster-Caskey.

The Argus:

At the time, he seemed set to make a senior breakthrough. The 18-year-old from Billingshurst has slipped away from the first-team picture since then but has been in scintillating form for the under-23s of late.

He has twice scored two goals in a match, against Middlesbrough and Eastbourne Borough.

Albion coach Vic Bragg said: “James has been working away at his trade.

“He has had some ups and downs.

“He hasn’t had any injuries and he is a brave little devil. He gets stuck in and he is technically very good.

The Argus:

“Sometimes there is not enough end product and this is something we have talked about. In the last few games, he has come to life and really put in some good performances.

“Like any young lad they are going to have their ups and downs.

“That is what happened with James.”

Tilley hit the bar and set up a goal in the 3-1 win at home to Huddersfield’s youngsters last time out.

Bragg added: “He works really hard, trains hard every day.

“That will always give him a chance.”