Albion’s top men have spoken of their pride at Lewis Dunk’s England call - and praised his loyalty to the club.

The 26-year-old Brightonian is joining Gareth Southgate’s group for Nations League games in Croatia and Spain.

Dunk came through the ranks at Albion and is the son of well-known local footballer Mark.

Albion chairman, and fellow local boy, Tony Bloom said: “This is an extremely proud moment for Lewis and his family and on behalf of everyone at the Albion I would like to congratulate him on the call up.

“It is also a very proud moment for the club. Lewis has been with us since he was a schoolboy and we’ve seen his development at close hand .

“There are many people who have helped Lewis along the way who will be thrilled for him.

“I’m just about old enough to remember the last time an Albion player was called up to the senior squad, when Steve Foster went to the World Cup.

“It’s been a long time coming but Lewis has shown that it’s possible to come through at Brighton and reach the very top.”

Dunk has been in demand from Premier League clubs on a regular basis over the last three years.

Albion chief executive Paul Barber said: “It has been a good weekend for Lewis. A new contract, man-of-the-match performance and clean sheet on Friday, and now deserved international recognition.

“It’s something he’s worked incredibly hard to achieve and it’s fully deserved because of his on-pitch displays, but we should also take this moment to highlight Lewis’s character he shows off the pitch — he’s become an important member and leader in the dressing room.

“I’d also like to applaud his loyalty to his hometown club. His ability to play at the highest level is something we’ve believed for a while now, but it’s fantastic he’s made that journey with Brighton, and his form and progress over the past 18 months has finally led to international recognition.”