Albion defender Connor Goldson is back home in Sussex after "life changing" heart surgery with a "beautiful scar".

The 24-year-old has been discharged from Royal Brompton Hospital in Chelsea, London, which specialises in heart and lung conditions.

Goldson had a successful operation last week to correct a defect picked up by the club in routine screening.

He has a long scar down the centre of his chest following the surgery.

Kayleigh Higson, his partner of six years, posted a picture of Goldson on her Instagram account, lying in his hospital bed with his thumbs up.

 

She wrote: "After 2 months since finding out of his heart problem, today I was able to bring home my boy from his life changing surgery.

"I cannot even begin to put into words how proud I am of you Connor, even still after 6 years you continue to amaze me.

"Your beautiful scar is proof of what you have been through and how strong you have been at this difficult time in your life."

The Argus revealed yesterday that team-mate Anthony Knockaert has promised Goldson - his best friend in football - he will be a Premier League player when he returns to action next season.

Promotion became a big step closer for the Seagulls with last night's 3-1 win over Birmingham at the Amex, which coincided with Goldson's return home and took them back to the top of the Championship.

They are in a strong position with six games left, beginning with Friday's visit to Queens Park Rangers and a trip to Goldson's home town club Wolverhampton Wanderers on Good Friday.