Albion boss Chris Hughton wants the under-21s to become a more fertile breeding ground for the first team.

Lewis Dunk and Jake Forster-Caskey have come through the system to be regular members of the first team squad.

The Seagulls are aiming for a more regular production line of players making the step up to the senior ranks following the club’s first year in their new training complex and academy at Lancing. Hughton told The Argus: “Players from under-21s breaking through, ultimately that’s the ambition of the club.

“You’re probably looking at Dunky and Jake as the two that have come through the system.

“I know Incey (Rohan Ince) was bought from another club (Chelsea) but it’s about making the most of the facility and that means being able to produce players.

“That under-21 group is an important one and the club are working very hard in that area. If there are possibilities to strengthen in that area then we absolutely will.”

Blackpool’s 18-year-old midfielder Mark Waddington could join Albion this summer after they tried to buy him in January.

Winger Joe Ward from Chelmsford City and fellow 19-year-old trialist Daniel Akindayini, a striker from Spurs, are set to feature for the under-21s in their last home game of the season against Stoke at the Amex tonight (7pm).

Hughton said: “My biggest priority is the first team and making sure we start next season with a squad that’s good enough to compete in a different place to where we were this season but we are working very hard at development level as well.”