Lewis Dunk has everything he could wish for at Albion - according to a fellow Brightonian and product of Varndean College.

Russell Martin has urged the highly-rated central defender to stick with the Seagulls for the long haul in the Premier League.

Dunk was outstanding again last season as Albion stayed up on their return to the top flight.

He took over as skipper from Bruno when the veteran Spaniard was missing and led by example.

He missed out on Gareth Southgate's England World Cup squad and has been intermittently linked with more established Premier League clubs, including Arsenal.

Martin, also a centre-half, has watched Dunk's progress through the ranks at Albion with interest.

Released by the Seagulls when he was younger, Martin has spent almost a decade at Norwich, part of it captaining them in the Premier League under Seagulls boss Chris Hughton.

Martin (below) said of Dunk: "He's done brilliantly. When Chris came in, the way he plays I think has really suited a few of the players and they have kicked on at the club now, Dale Stephens, Dunky, people like that.

The Argus: "Bruno has real quality and experience and they've stepped up to the task, especially first season in the Premier League. You have to show that.

"After that, it sounds stupid but it gets even tougher second season, because people know what you are about and pay you a little bit more respect than maybe they did in the first year.

"That will be the next test but I think it's brilliant that a local lad in Dunky has come through and done what he has done.

"He will be a future captain if he stays but if he keeps progressing he has got a real chance of being in the Premier League for a long time.

"There might be a decision for the football club at some point, because I'm sure they will want to keep him as long as possible. If somebody comes in with a certain amount of money at some point then there will be a decision for Lewis as well.

"He might want to play in Europe or kick on and see what's out there but for me, if you are a local lad and you are playing for your home town club in the Premier League, it can't get much better than that.

"If you put finance to one side, if he can keep progressing like the club has - I think they will - he can get everything he needs and wants at Albion."