ALBION have continued their upgrading of the under-21s squad by completing the capture of Fleetwood Town right-back Tyler Forbes.

The Seagulls have paid a five-figure fee for the 20-year-old former Preston trainee and awarded him a two-year contract.

Forbes, pictured below, and previous under-21s signing, Motherwell centre-half Ben Hall, both have first team experience.

Albion are keen to close the gap in level between the under-21s and the first team following the abolition of emergency loans.

Forbes has made 38 appearances for League One Fleetwood.

Simon Rusk, Albion’s under-21’s coach, said: “Tyler is another great addition to our squad and we are delighted he has joined us.

“He is a tenacious, physical defender with pace and likes to get forward, so he will give us some good options.

“He also has significant experience, having played for the last two seasons in League One.

“We are looking forward to working with him and helping him to develop so that he can push on and challenge for a place in our first team.”

Forbes said: “I had a look at the club, researched it a bit more and it was too big an opportunity to knock back. This is a big step in my career.

“The club’s facilities are magnificent and the manager seems to give young players a chance.

“There’s another young lad who’s arrived from Motherwell (Hall) and Connor Goldson came here from Shrewsbury and did very well. Hopefully I’ll get my opportunity if I do everything right.”

The under-21’s, back from a pre-season trip to Portugal, play their opening friendly on English soil tonight at Hastings (7.45pm).