Jurgen Locadia has been urged to kick-start his career on loan in the Bundesliga.

But the door could be opening for teenage Albion striker Aaron Connolly to get his chance in the Premier League.

Locadia yesterday completed a season-long loan move to Hoffenheim, who are paying the Seagulls an undisclosed fee.

The Dutchman had been linked with a loan back to his former club PSV this summer.

Neal Maupay, who was rested for the Carabao Cup tie at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday, looks favourite to start away to Prem champions Manchester City tomorrow.

Connolly and Glenn Murray, both of whom played 90 minutes and scored at Rovers, are also in contention.

Potter selected Locadia, who had been bright in pre-season, for the opener at Watford but then left him on the bench for two home fixtures.

The Albion head coach was non-committal when asked whether Locadia could yet come back to be a hit.

Potter said: “He’s not had the game time and, when he has, he’s played in different positions so sometimes a player gets a sense it is a good time for him to restart his career or kick-start their career, get some regular game-time.

“The offer came in and it suited both clubs and him.

“He’s been a good lad to work with and I’ve really enjoyed working with him but sometimes you have to think of the player’s career as well and what the right thing for him is.”

“From my perspective, he’s been no problem to work with at all.”

Potter is happy with Albion’s attacking options although the banned Florin Andone misses the Etihad trip as well as the home fixture against Burnley after the international break.

Progress made by Connolly and midfielder Steven Alzate appears to have helped convince Albion they can let Locadia go.

Significantly, Potter praised the strides may be by the pair in the official club press release announcing Locadia’s move.

He later added: “There are less players in that position so there is more of an chance.

“Aaron has been training with us all pre-season as part of our group as far as I’m concerned.

“But, at the same time, there is a lot of competition in that top end of the pitch and, if you are going to give a younger player an opportunity, it has to be a pathway.

“So it’s up to him to keep playing, to keep producing, keep improving so we will see.”

Locadia was quickly on the scoresheet in league and FA Cup after moving from PSV for £15 million in January, 2018.

But that proved a false dawn and he has struggled to make the desired impact.

Hoffenheim director of football Alexander Rosen said: “We were looking for another striker who can commit opponents and create danger in the box.

“Jurgen is a guy who has the right qualifications.”