Small steps have paid off for Jamie Murphy.

The Scottish winger, who became a dad for the third time two nights before Albion were promoted, is now looking forward to the Premier League.

It has been a gradual progression to the top for Murphy, 27, from Motherwell in the Scottish Premier League, to Sheffield United in League One and Albion in the Championship, to achieve the dream he had in his sights from the moment he moved from south Yorkshire to the south coast two years ago.

The phlegmatic Glaswegian told The Argus: "It was pretty much since I came here. When you play in the Championship, that's the next step, to get into the Premier League.

"I almost feel as if in my career I have taken small steps rather than large ones. Going to League One first, then the Championship, now up to the Premier League.

"It's worked out well for me so far in my career and hopefully I can perform.

"I think if I came from Scotland straight to the Premier League, or the top of the Championship, it would have been difficult. You see a lot of players struggle with it.

"To go to Sheffield United (below) was great for me, and then to move here, another great club club - it's just worked out perfectly."

The Argus: Not quite as perfect for loved ones. The summer break gave Murphy a rare chance to catch up with those close to him.

"It's been difficult at times," he said. "Friends and family obviously find it harder to come down.

"Sheffield is a short drive, whereas it's a long drive down here, but I'm loving it.

"We've got a house and we're really settled. Hopefully I can stay here as long as I can.

"I have two girls and a boy. The older one was born in Sheffield, the two younger ones in Worthing Hospital, the most recent being the Saturday night before we got promoted. So it's been a good year.

"I went back home to Scotland for six weeks, which was the longest I've been back home for a long time. It was good to get back up there and spend some time with friends and family."

They were on his mind when the fixtures were released last month, starting with an eyecatching visit to the Amex by Manchester City.

"When the fixtures come out it's more for friends and family, to arrange when they can come down and what games to go to, around Christmas as well," Murphy said.

"Obviously, the first game of the season is a big one and it doesn't get much bigger than the one we've got.

"You would think they (City) want to win the Premier League. It's a bit different for us, maybe trying to find our feet.

"It's going to be difficult but at home I think we are a match against anyone.

"The northern games are easier ones for friends and family to come down to, Man United away, that kind of thing.

"There are a lot in London. Chelsea away on Boxing Day is one that springs to mind. They are all games to look forward to. You are in the wrong profession if you are not."

The Argus: Murphy, facing a fight for game time again with the irrepressible Anthony Knockaert, fit-again Solly March and Czech international Jiri Skalak (above) - not to mention the possibility of Chris Hughton signing another wide man - is relishing the chance to test himself at the highest level.

"Some of the boys have played in it and have spoke about it," he said. "It's obviously a different level, you can tell just by the media stuff, sponsorship things you have got to do for the Premier League.

"It's bigger in that way and definitely football wise as well. We are under know illusions what a tough year it is going to be but you never know what could happen. If we do our best I'm pretty sure we will be allright.

"Targets change and staying in the Premier League is a priority. But when we go into a game we want to win it. None of us think we'll take a draw or lose. We want to win, especially at home. This year will be no different. If it is different that's when problems come.

"I'm very confident. I've adapted to every league I've played in so far. I've played in a few. I work hard every day on and off the park to prepare myself."

Murphy, capped by Scotland at under-21 and under-19 level, was rewarded for helping Albion to promotion with an initial call-up to Scotland squad for their World Cup qualifying draw with England last month, although he missed the final cut.

Playing in the Premier League can only enhance his international ambitions.

"It's a start, to get in the squad," he said. "Hopefully I can get in it consistently.

"It's always been a big, personal aim of mine, to play for my country.

"It always will be, so it's up to me to do the best I can here at Brighton. Hopefully that will benefit everyone.

"You need to be playing well. If you are not I don't think it matters what level you are playing at, you're not going to be in the squad.

"It's up to me to do my best, work hard every day as I always do.

"The squad is a really strong one. It had to be that way to win promotion and it has to be that way in the Premier League."