Tony Bloom is ignoring criticism by fans of Albion’s young England international Jake Forster-Caskey.

The only opinion that counts for the chairman comes from manager Chris Hughton.

England under-21s midfielder Forster-Caskey has been a consistent target for critics on social media.

The youth team product, awarded a new three-year contract by Albion last summer, has lost his place under Hughton but remains a regular part of England under-21s boss Gareth Southgate’s plans as they prepare for the Euro finals in the Czech Republic in June.

Bloom told The Argus: “I think he has done great to be playing for the under-21s.

“In the first two-thirds of the season he played more than anyone else. I’m more interested in what the manager thinks of him improving than what fans think, because the fans may be against him one day or one season and for him in the next season.

“From Jake’s point of view and the club’s point of view it’s about improving as a person, as a player and doing what the manager wants.

“That’s the focus and it’s really for him to impress Chris and to improve under Chris. That’s all I’m really interested in.”

Last night Forster-Caskey was involved in the build-up to James Ward-Prowse’s winner as England under-21s twice came from behind to beat Germany 3-2 in a warm-up game at the Riverside.