Gus Poyet has praised the men who helped unearth a gem in Jake Forster-Caskey after the midfielder signed a new contract.

Forster-Caskey, 18, has secured a new three-year deal with Albion, taking him through until 2015.

The England age group international first caught the eye when playing as a 14-year-old in the under-18s and has since progressed through the youth and development squads.

He made a stunning Championship debut in January, scoring against Southampton.

Boss Poyet said: "This is very good news for the football club. I'm delighted.

"It's important for us to keep him at the club and to make sure that he finishes his development with us.

"It's great news for the football club and for everyone who has been working with him in the past, especially Martin Hinshelwood.

"He doesn't look 17 or 18 years of age on the pitch with the senior professionals, and when he made the jump up to the first team he had the same character.

"He knows the way we play and he has been doing that with Luke Williams in the development squad."

Forster-Caskey is happy to commit the next three years to the Seagulls.

He said: "It's the only club that I have played at but every year I have progressed as I've wanted to.

"I've set myself goals and I've reached them, so it's the only club I want to be a part of.

"The style Gus plays is perfect for me. I'm not a player who is going to kick it long, so at Brighton I can get the ball down. It's a great place to be."