Matthew Geard, the 16-year-old son of former Seagull Glen, has been taken on a three-year scholarship deal by the Albion.

Midfielder Geard (Brighton) has joined with goalkeeper Alex Bryant (Worthing), defender Adam El-Abd (Brighton), striker Mark Windsor (Patcham) and midfielder Darren Budd (Brighton).

Martin Hinshelwood, the club's director of youth, said: "There must be something in the genes with Matthew, but the fact that all the lads we've taken come from Sussex proves how much we value local talent.

"We feel the boys we've chosen can make that step up. There were a few who were also very close.

"It is the worst thing in football to tell boys who haven't made it. Some of them we've had to tell have been with the club for six years. If anyone knows an easy way of telling them they should let me know."

Albion entertain Colchester in the second match of the play-offs in the Youth Under-19s Alliance on Saturday. They are hoping to bounce back from a 3-0 reverse against Leyton Orient in their first game.

Defender Kevin Hemsley (knee) and Rupert Sansom (hamstring) are out and Adam Davis, who broke his nose against Orient, is doubtful.