Shane Duffy says Albion will have the excitement of Premier League new boys when the campaign kicks off.

But a few debut-season lessons will also stand them in good stead.

The Seagulls are back home and preparing for their first friendly in this country when they visit AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

Centre-back Duffy, who expects to be fit for the new season after groin surgery, says anticipation in the squad matches that of last summer, when the Seagulls were newcomers to the elite and preparing to host Manchester City.

This time Albion kick things off at Watford and Duffy said: “I’ve got the same feeling of excitement and buzz to go and play.

“We all know that the second season is supposed to be the hardest one, and we’re all ready for it.

“The younger lads are ready for it and we’ve got the right manager to lead us.

“The lads are looking forward to it in the same way as last season.

“When the fixtures were announced, we had the same feeling and I don’t think much has changed in the squad really.

“It’s got that same buzz in the squad and we’ve got some tough fixtures coming up.”