Lewis Dunk has been backed to rise to the challenge of being the central figure in Albion’s makeshift defence.

Dunk’s injured defensive partner Shane Duffy regards him as a future captain.

Dunk, 25, will be stand-in skipper at Leeds on Saturday if Bruno fails to recover from a groin injury. He will be paired with Uwe Huenemeier for the third game running at Elland Road in the absence of Duffy, ruled out until late April by a broken foot.

Duffy told The Argus: “I think he’s matured. I’ve only known him since I’ve been here and he’s been brilliant. He’s just taken that responsibility over of trying to be a leader. You can see him being a leader in the future and a captain.

“He brings the best out of players. He brought the best out of me and Connor (Goldson) and he’ll hopefully bring the best out of Uwe.”

Duffy also believes Albion have acted wisely in covering his absence and that of Goldson, sidelined for the rest of the season by a heart condition, with the capture of free agent Vegard Forren.

The Norwegian, short of fitness, could be on the bench at Elland Road, such is the extent of Albion’s defensive shortage.

Duffy said: “He’s got to do a bit of catching up I think but from what I’ve read about him he is experienced and it’s a smart move by the club to get someone in case something happens. We’ve got that option then. I’d rather that than no option.”

Forren, as expected, has not been picked for Norway’s World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland at Windsor Park on Sunday week, so he should be up to speed for the Seagulls’ first game following the international break at home to Blackburn Rovers on April 1.