Albion boss Gus Poyet has backed Elliott Bennett to make the step up from League One king of the assists to the Premier League with Norwich.

Bennett completed his move to the promoted Canaries last night on a three-year contract.

The Seagulls have received a £1.5 million downpayment for the influential and versatile winger, which could rise to £2 million depending on the number of appearances Bennett makes and Norwich staying in the top flight.

Albion have also protected their interests with a healthy sell-on clause for the player signed by previous manager Russell Slade from Wolves for £200,000 in August 2009.

Poyet has developed Bennett since then and is confident the 22-year-old can make the transition with his new club.

He told The Argus: “I’ve got no doubts, especially because there are so many ways you can use Elliott.

“When I arrived at the club he was only a right winger. Within a year and a half he has proved he can play in different positions and really influence the team.

“In my system he was the player in midfield that gave me options wide right, left or through the middle. That is very difficult to find and he was the best player in League One in terms of assists.”

Norwich tried to buy Bennett in January. He handed in a transfer request but Albion stood their ground and he continued to play a key role in their League One title triumph.

Poyet added: “I thank Elliott for the way he has approached the situation. He had a great opportunity to leave in January.

“He understood how important he was to us and he agreed to stay another six months to help us get out of League One but now it’s impossible for him to turn down because of the offer and the level he is going to play.”

Bennett will triple his wages at Carrow Road. He said: “It’s an unbelievable opportunity for me to fight for a place in a team which will be playing in the Premier League.

“I like the mentality at Norwich that has seen them get back-to-back promotions and I’m grateful to Paul Lambert for giving me the chance to be part of what’s happening at the club.

“I didn’t make it through at Wolves and Brighton gave me the opportunity and I’m grateful for that."

Bennett scored 17 goals in 100 games for Albion, eight of them in 53 outings last season, when he also provided 19 assists.

Lambert said: “He is a young and exciting player with plenty of pace.”