Albion's top prospects from the under-21s are set for an early season chance to step up to the first team.

The abolition of the emergency loans system increases the possibility of boss Chris Hughton dipping into the development squad, especially for cup games.

It could lead to openings in the Capital One Cup for Rob Hunt, Tom Dallison, Jess Starkey and Joe Ward, who have all been awarded new deals, and second season former Real Madrid youth product Jack Harper.

Hughton told The Argus: “Fortunately, we did not rely on loans so much last season as the season before.

“We signed nine players last summer, but because of the numbers now the recruitment will not have to be so big this time.

“Earlier decisions will have to be made on any loans, because they will now be from window to window.

“I think the more important impact in the Championship is that teams will look to promote from within, as we did with Glen Rea last season.

“There are some games where there are likely to be under-21 players in the squad.”

Rea was given his debut in the Capital One Cup, while Hunt was an unused substitute in the FA Cup at Hull.

The first round of next season’s Capital One Cup will be Albion’s opening midweek game of the 2016-17 campaign at the beginning of August.

The Championship fixture list for Hughton’s side will be unveiled on June 22.