Dean Hammond has revealed his pride at becoming one of Albion's youngest ever captains.

Hammond was handed the job by caretaker manager Dean Wilkins, with Richard Carpenter suspended for last night's 2-2 home draw against ten-man Bournemouth.

The 23-year-old midfielder from Hastings celebrated by heading the Seagulls level in the second half after Marcus Browning had been sent off for the visitors just before half-time.

Alex Revell then put Albion in front but Hammond's big night was ruined by Eddie Howe's 74th minute header from a free-kick for Bournemouth.

Hammond said: "It is a great honour for me. It has always been an ambition of mine.

"I have been captain of the youth team and Reserves and I have always wanted to do it. Now I have fullfilled it and scoring a goal was a great feeling as well."

Wilkins said: "I've known Dean for a long time. I want to try to get him to play to his potential which I feel he has not been doing up to now.

"I gave him the captaincy because I feel he is the type of person who grows with responsibility and he has also come through the set-up. I would hope the supporters will relate to that as well."

Wilkins was disappointed to miss out on a second successive victory. "It feels like a loss" he said. "We drew the game through inexperience. I can't stand conceding from set plays."