ALBION’S Spanish star Inigo Calderon has been awarded a one-year contract extension.

It gives the swashbuckling defender an option to stay with the Seagulls for the next three seasons.

Calderon’s existing deal still had two years left to run.

The revised arrangement guarantees the 29-year-old an extension to the 2013-14 campaign, providing he meets appearance criteria the season before.

The extended contract is a reward for Calderon’s remarkable contribution to Albion’s League One title triumph.

He scored eight goals from right-back last season, including three in as many matches in October.

His consistent performances also earned him the respect of his fellow professional with a place in the PFA League One team of the year.

Calderon, snapped up on a free transfer from Alaves in January 2009, told The Argus: “When you already have two years left and the club tell you they want to extend your contract it feels really good.

“I’ll be 32 with the optional third year, so I hope to have my best years at Brighton. You have to keep on improving and, as long as I stay fit, age is not a problem for me.”

Calderon is preparing with the rest of the squad, including latest recruit Craig Mackail-Smith, for Sunday’s opening pre-season friendly at Burgess Hill (1pm).

“I am really looking forward to the new season in the Championship at The Amex,” he said. “Craig Mackail-Smith was the best striker in League One last season, so he is a really good signing for us.”

Jake Forster-Caskey will not be involved in the Burgess Hill game or tomorrow’s run-out for the development squad at Havant and Waterlooville (3pm, admission £5).

The midfield prospect has been given time to recuperate after helping England under-17s reach the World Cup finals in Mexico.

Forster-Caskey will not resume training until Albion have returned from their pre-season trip to Portugal later this month.

Long-time Albion transfer target Kazenga LuaLua is back in training with Newcastle but Toon sources do not expect him to be part of Alan Pardew’s 23-man squad for their trip to the USA from July 17.