Darren Currie is determined to destroy once and for all his reputation as a luxury player, with the help of his uncle.

Albion's new wide midfielder is the nephew of Tony Currie, who starred for Sheffield United and Leeds in the Seventies and won 17 England caps.

Darren, like Tony, has been labelled talented but lazy during a career spent in the lower divisions. He insists that is a myth and wants to prove the knockers wrong after signing a one-year contract with the Seagulls.

Currie, 29, revealed: "I speak to Tony regularly. He gets as frustrated as me with things that are said. He has always been there for me throughout my career and been helpful with his advice.

"It is unfair what people say about me. For example, last season if Wycombe had been promoted then my nine goals and creating 75 per cent of the other goals would have been more than acceptable, but in a team that was relegated it was deemed unacceptable.

"I haven't played in the First Division before. I've spent most of my time in the Second Division, but I believe I have worked hard thoughout my career to reach this point. Now I am looking forward to proving a lot of people who doubted that I can play at this level wrong."

Currie started as a trainee at West Ham. He had spells with Shrewsbury, Leyton Orient, Plymouth and Barnet before joining Wycombe for £200,000, a club record.

"I was at Wycombe for three years," he said. "I had a year's option on my contract and they couldn't afford to keep me. It was just a mutual agreement.

"I always believed I would get the type of opportunity I have been given now by Brighton.

"I'm 29 and it's a great opportunity. I have grown into a player as the years have gone by and I feel as if I am still well within my peak.

"It's just now time to step to the next level. I cannot wait."