Matt Richards insists the new-look Albion have the potential to finish in League One’s top three this season.

The Seagulls have made an encouraging start to the campaign by following up their opening day 2-1 league victory at Crewe with a comfortable 4-0 Carling Cup win over League Two Barnet.

Left-back Richards was one of five summer signings to arrive at Withdean after returning to the club on loan from Ipswich.

And he believes things can only get better for Micky Adams’ side as the new faces continue to get used to life on the South Coast.

Richards said: “There is a great team spirit here and all the new lads have settled in brilliantly.

But we have only played two games of the season so far and there is definitely more to come.

“The ability here is of top three standard I think. There are a lot of good players and we have gelled well.

“But there is definitely more in the tank and you will see better performances from us as the season goes on.”

Richards says the influx of new players mean competition for places is now fierce within Albion’s squad.

He said: “You can’t take anything for granted, you have to be on top form in every game because there are good players on the bench.

“The manager has a lot of options and it is a good thing because it means everyone all over the pitch is on their toes.”

Richards is also facing competition to be Albion’s main free-kick taker, despite boosting his credentials in the demolition of Barnet.

Richards scored his first goal for the Seagulls with a low curling free-kick but admits he faces a battle for the ball next time there is a set-piece around the box.

He said: “The keeper made it relatively easy for me because he was standing behind the wall and left a hole to slot it into.

“A few people wanted to take it but it was ideal for a left-footer. I always want to take free-kicks and will step up whenever needed.

“But I don’t know how often I will get the chance because there are quite a few players who want to take them.

“Usually teams have one or two players who take freekicks but here there are four or five. We have plenty of options depending on where it is on the pitch.

“Everyone practises but it is about who feels right on the night. I don’t consider myself a specialist but it is something which I’m not too bad at. I practise every now and again so when I’m needed I know what I am doing. It was nice to get off the mark and will practise more now and hopefully score a few more.”