Albion will resist the temptation to overload their senior squad – despite losing a loan safety net.

Chris Hughton will run with similar numbers of senior players next season, the first since the abolition of emergency loans.

The Seagulls boss says he will want all involved to make a contribution.

And, while making sure he is well covered for senior players, he will aim to keep the door open to youngsters shining in the under-21s.

Hughton told The Argus: “One thing I am always keen not to do is to have too big a first-team squad. At the moment we have got good numbers.

“I’m keen not to decide we must have a big squad just because of the loan ruling. What I would like is to make sure there are opportunities for the young players.

“If we end up having a closed shop, there is no scope for development there.”

Albion are assessing their market options with two strikers top of the wanted list.

Hughton added: “First and foremost we need to make sure we have a squad who can compete. But, if we happen to have one or two of the 21s who get an opportunity and take it, then even better.

“Sometimes even with under-21s, my general experience is you get a few good surprises. You will have an under-21 who grabs that opportunity.”

Albion are looking to raise the bar in terms of development squad recruitment this season and last week paid an undisclosed sum of compensation, being reported as £200,000 north of the border, for Motherwell first team centre-back Ben Hall.

Players with a degree of experience in the lower English divisions are also likely to be on their radar for Simon Rusk’s squad.