Tom Dallison has been hailed as a quick learner as he forges a league career after Albion.

The centre-back is making a good impression at Crawley and helped them keep a clean sheet against high-flying Mansfield on Tuesday.

Dallison is keen to make an impact at the People’s Pension Stadium after a brief stint at Falkirk.

The former Arsenal youngster played for the Seagulls’ development squad and had loan stints at Cambridge and Accrington Stanley.

He was let go by Albion almost a year ago and has now come under the command of Reds boss Gabriele Cioffi, a battle-hardened former centre-back from the Italian leagues.

Cioffi said: “Tom is a fast learner. Every time you tell him something, you need to do it just once and he has got the concept.

“We are working (on defence) like we are working on the way we want to build the play.

“We are getting the concept and I am pleased about that.

“They are keen to follow me and that is the most important thing for a manager.”

Dallison is now into double figures for league appearances with Reds, during which time they have only once conceded more than one goal in a game.

Asked whether he was impressed by Dallison and sidekick Joe McNerney, who was named man of the match, Cioffi said: “Yes, but the defensive side starts from up front.

“Ollie (Palmer) and Reece (Grego-Cox) have done a great job and the midfield run a lot and were aggressive.

“When a few balls got through one versus one, they were ready so, yes, I am pleased with their performance. The mentality is growing.”

Reds go to Crewe tomorrow with Filipe Morais pushing for a start after a recent illness.