ALBION had to persuade Niki Maenpaa to stay with them for a second season.

The Finnish international considered options abroad before agreeing to compete with David Stockdale again for the No.1 spot.

Maenpaa’s future was in doubt until boss Chris Hughton cajoled him into remaining with the Seagulls.

Hughton revealed to The Argus: “He wanted to make sure what other options he had, which is normal.

“He’s somebody that did have other options.

“Then he decided what was best for him was to again challenge David for a first team place here and we’re delighted he has done.

“I certainly know he had options abroad – he would have done. I don’t know about here.

“This is an international goalkeeper who goes away regularly on international duty.”

Maenpaa, 31, is in the frame for his Championship debut for Albion against Rotherham United at the Amex tonight, 13 months after signing from Dutch club VVV-Venlo.

Hughton refused to totally rule Stockdale out yesterday ahead of scan results on the soft tissue left shin damage he suffered in the closing stages of Friday’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

Meanwhile, Albion have included an install recall clause in the season-long loan deal for Christian Walton at Luton Town.

The authorities would, however, only allow 20-year-old Walton to return in an emergency as the Seagulls have experienced back-up for Stockdale and Maenpaa in Casper Ankergren.