Albion ace Connor Goldson thought he would have to leave to get game time.

But boss Chris Hughton blocked a loan move for the Seagulls’ young player of the season.

Goldson, 23, has owned up to early frustration before capitalising on injury problems for Gordon Greer and Uwe Huenemeier to become a key member of the promotion push alongside Lewis Dunk.

The former Shrewsbury centre-half, chosen for the award by the coaching staff, told The Argus: “I was confident whether it took six months or a year that I would end up playing games here and I could show what I’m capable of.

“There was never a time when I thought the move was wrong but obviously I did get frustrated. There were times when I thought I might have to go on loan to play games.

“Then, luckily, you don’t expect it, you get a chance. You look back and that six months seems like ages ago.

“The manager spoke to me a few times before matches, said he liked me and wanted to keep me around the place, because I’m learning and improving every day.

“He didn’t want to let me go out. We spoke about it. I was used to playing games every week, so to not be playing every week was obviously tough for me.

“But it has all turned around the best way possible. It has been amazing to be in the Championship and in a team fighting for promotion.”

Goldson partners Dunk for the 19th game in succession against play-offs bound Derby County at the Amex on Monday (2.30) as the Seagulls seek the best chance possible of sealing automatic promotion at Middlesbrough five days later.