Liam Brady has revealed his role in the rise of Albion's record buy Shane Duffy.

The former Seagulls boss was responsible for Duffy's switch from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland when he was a teenager.

Derry-born Duffy has gone from strength to strength with the Republic after swapping allegiance in 2010 when he was 18.

The towering centre-half was part of the team that reached the last 16 of the Euro finals in France in the summer.

The £3.5 million buy from Blackburn heads into Preston's visit to the Amex today after helping Martin O'Neill's side to back-to-back World Cup qualifying wins against Georgia and Moldova.

Brady, Albion's manager from 1993 to 1995, played a pivotal part in Duffy's career path when he was Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic of Ireland No.2.

Brady told The Argus: "He was making inroads at Everton as a young player. It came to my attention he could play for us and was willing to play for us.

"I was in touch with Everton, the player and his parents. I spoke to David Moyes about him and he thought he had a future."

Duffy suffered a serious liver injury in a freak training ground accident which almost cost him his life after Trapattoni called him up to practise with the senior squad.

Brady had returned to as full-time role with Arsenal by then but remained in touch and has monitored with interest Duffy's progress for club and country.

The Gunners' ambassador, still based in Brighton, said: "He is a bit raw but wants to learn. I think he can only get better and he's a good signing for Brighton.

"I've seen all the international matches. Martin O'Neill surprised a lot of people, me included, by picking Duffy and (Ciaran) Clark for Moldova and Georgia.

"He (Duffy) played well against Italy in the summer, made a bit of a mistake against France (red card) and then against Moldova him and Clark were a bit at fault for their goal.

"He is going to be very good but has to learn from playing at a higher level, international football and at the top of the Championship.

"I've not seen Brighton this season but I watch out for their results. It would be great if they finally make it up."