Solly March is aiming for a big year with Albion to help lift them back up the table and re-ignite his England hopes.

March earned an England under-21 call-up 12 months ago alongside team-mate Jake Forster Caskey after a major breakthrough with the Seagulls.

The 20-year-old playmaker made only 11 Championship appearances this season, due to a stress fracture of the back and a fractured fibula.

March is now trying to rebuild his career while Forster-Caskey and Gareth Southgate's under-21s prepare for their crucial last group game against Italy in the Euro finals in the Czech Republic tomorrow night.

Former Albion midfielder Robert Codner, who represents March, told The Argus: "He had a great opportunity of being involved. He was really in there with Jake. That was a big disappointment for him because he had plans to try to get in that squad.

"It wasn't to be but that is something he has got to look to push for again and he has got to do that by putting in good performances for Brighton. He's got to have a good pre-season to be in Chris Hughton's thoughts."

March helped Albion reach the play-offs under Oscar Garcia. Codner believes the versatile ex-Lewes prospect can re-emerge as a key figure again.

He said: "Solly will be expecting big things of himself this year and I will as well to help the team push up the table, instead of looking over their shoulders.

"He's back to fitness. he'll start pre-season. He has rested through the summer but he's been doing bits of extra work as well and he is fully fit now. His back is okay, his leg is okay and he is looking forward to the forthcoming season.

"He had such a good end to the season before and was expecting big things last season but it went completely the other way.

"It was stop-start and a wasted year really which in hindsight has stalled his progression. Hopefully he'll come back better and stronger for the experience."

Meanwhile, Albion chief executive Paul Barber has been elected to the Football League board of directors, giving the Championship triple representation alongside fellow newcomer Jez Moxey from Wolves and long-serving Keith Lamb from Middlesbrough.