Albion new boy Jack Harper wants to earn a first-team chance by Christmas.

And he reckons a mix of Spanish and Scottish traits can help him hit that target.

The 19-year-old former Real Madrid youngster completed his move to the Seagulls on a two-year deal yesterday after they beat off competition from other clubs.

Harper, born in southern Spain of Scottish parents, is recovering from a knee injury, But he is confident he can make quick progress when fully fit.

He said: “I want to get over this short-term injury, which should be just over a month.

“I’m looking to do well with the under-21s and then hopefully get a chance in the first-team before Christmas.”

Harper has played in domestic and European competition with Madrid’s junior sides but wants first team football.

He added: “I would say that I’m a natural goalscorer. I’ve got the natural Spanish technique but I work like a Scotsman!

“It was a great experience to be playing against some of the top sides in Europe last season but I want more first-team football and it was getting quite complicated at Real Madrid.

“I was keen for a move but I wasn’t sure where to go. I had a few options, and one of the scouts in Spain painted a really good picture of Brighton and Hove Albion and everything he told me has been the case.

“Talking with my family and my agent, I felt that this was the best option for my future. Brighton is a club on the rise so it was a perfect situation for me to go forward.”