Chris Hughton has set the stage for a battle royal at right-back – between his skipper and his only permanent deadline-day recruit.

The Seagulls boss confirmed seven-figure signing Ezequiel Schelotto has been brought in from Sporting of Lisbon specifically to challenge Bruno for his right-back berth.

Schelotto has been training with his new colleagues over the past week.

Hughton suspects it might be too early to throw him into the starting XI as the Seagulls host West Bromwich Albion today.

The Argentinean can play in a more attacking role while Bruno has occasionally been used at centre-back and midfield during his five-and-a-bit years in England.

The Argus:

Bruno in action at Leicester

But, asked whether he had a plan which involved both men in his team, Hughton made it clear the main reason for signing Schelotto was to set up a battle for the right-back berth.

Hughton said: “We have brought him for competition.

“At this moment we have five full-backs, which includes Liam (Rosenior) as well.

“You would like to think there isn’t anybody in the team who is guaranteed a position unless they are playing well enough to hold on to that position.

“That would be the same in the right-back position.

“Schelotto can be more advanced as well.

“He is an attacking full-back and he can play a little bit higher up on that right-hand side.

“But, primarily, we have brought him in as a right-back.

“Certainly he has been used more as an attacking right-back and it gives us another good option.”

Bruno has been the preferred right-back option for four Albion bosses since arriving in 2012 and is likely to relish the challenge to his starting spot.

He previously had competition from fans’ favourite Inigo Calderon and then moved to a new level when Premier League right-back Rosenior was brought in from Hull City two years ago.

When questioned about rivalry for a starting place, the Catalan has consistently replied: “I don’t have rivals within my own team.”