Shane Duffy will welcome a new challenge with open arms when a potential rival for his place turns up at training.

Nigeria centre-back Leon Balogun joins his new Albion colleagues after his summer break.

Balogun was allowed to report for duty later than most of the players because of his part in the World Cup.

He helped the Super Eagles to within a few minutes of a second-round place before losing to Argentina.

Balogun's presence at a corner forced the penalty which dragged his side level against Lionel Messi and company.

It ended in tears with a volley from the unexpected source of Marcos Rojo as time ran out and Nigeria defenders scrambled to get close to Sergio Aguero as a cross came in.

But Balogun did enough to show what he can do in his three group matches.

He looks to be a serious contender for a starting spot after making the switch from Bundesliga outfit Mainz during the summer.

Duffy and Lewis Dunk had things very much their own way at the heart of defence last season.

Only injury has kept Duffy out since joining the Seagulls almost two years ago.

It is all change now, with Uwe Huenemeier and Connor Goldson having moved on while Balogun and anther signing – possibly Liam Moore from Reading - arrive.

Duffy is ready for the challenge.

He told The Argus: “The two lads that left didn’t really play much and they wanted to go out and play, which is understandable.

“Connor had a couple of big issues which set him back and Uwe had a big injury too.

“We’ve got two new centre-backs now, which is great.

“It keeps you on your toes and pushes you and I am looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s a new boost to not let your standards drop and it will try and push both us to keep our shirts.

“But football changes from season to season and you can’t take anything for granted.

“You’ve got to work hard at it.”

Albion last night brought in goalkeeper David Button from Fulham and he, along with fellow newcomer Jason Steele from Sunderland, would appear to be back-up to Mathew Ryan, at least initially.

Ryan is also back this week after his World Cup efforts with Australia.

Other signings, both made already and in the pipeline, will head to the Amex with thoughts set very firmly on starting roles.

Albion need to keep improving after a 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season.

And that is something Duffy understands.

He said: “With the level we’re at, we’ve got to bring in more quality.

“It’s good for my own game.

“Hopefully the players can come in and push the squad on to try and stay in the league again.”