Shane Duffy has warned Albion they will need more leaders after losing Bruno.

The first season under new head coach Graham Potter will also be the Seagulls’ first since 2011 without Bruno following the veteran captain’s retirement.

Duffy has played alongside Bruno at the back for the last three years.

The player of the season and Republic of Ireland central defender said: “He has been amazing since I came in and I have learned so much from him as a footballer and a man.

“He is going to be missed hugely and I can’t speak highly enough of what he has done for me off and on the pitch.

“You don’t get many of them in football. You can replace him as a player but you probably won’t replace the man that he is.

“We will have to come together as a group more and get more leaders around the place.

“It is down to the other players but if we need him or any advice he will be on the phone. If we can learn half of what he has done in his career it will help all of us.”

Duffy believes there is still room for improvement in his game after landing the top player accolade at the expense of partner Lewis Dunk as Albion finished a place above the drop zone.

He said: “Since January onwards we weren’t very good. I just tried to keep my own standards up and try to keep playing well.

“Obviously, it’s very difficult every week to play well. I just feel like I can get better.”

Duffy is in Faro, Portugal, with Mick McCarthy’s Republic of Ireland, preparing for Euro qualifiers next month against Denmark and Gibraltar.

The squad includes Bolton youngster Luca Connell, who was a target for Albion in the January transfer window.