Liam Bridcutt admits Albion's near miss felt like a wasted season.

But the midfielder believes the Seagulls can come back stronger from play-off heartbreak.

The player-of-the-year was devastated to see the Premier League dream end last night.

He said: "It feels like a wasted season now. We have got this far and to lose like we have to our local rivals hurts even more.

"The boys are disappointed. We have just got to pick ourselves up.

"It wasn't our best performance. Our passing wasn't the best but I don't know if it was down to nerves or just one of those things.

"It's a learning curve. Next time we get to this stage we will know what it takes."

He added: "Today it hurts. It's going to stick with you for the rest of your career.

"I think it will make you a bit hungrier next year to come back and get into the play-offs again or get promoted."