Graham Potter says there is “no doubt” Shane Duffy will play a big part for Albion this season.

The Irish centre-back is facing his toughest battle for a place in the Seagulls’ side since joining the club three years ago.

Summer signing Adam Webster could make his home debut against Burnley today after replacing Duffy, pictured, at Manchester City ahead of the international break.

But Potter says last term’s player of the season is a “huge player” for the Seagulls in their third Premier League season.

Potter said: “Shane has been brilliant for this club that is the first thing to say. A huge player and important player for us.

“He will play a big part in the season, there is no doubt about that.

“But he is a human being as well. He has international games and just for the (City) game I felt it was the right time to use Adam.

“But every game is different and Shane’s response was one, of course, that you would expect from a top player.

“It was disappointment but, at the same time, he was completely behind the team, behind the guys that were on the pitch. His support was fantastic.

“Shane has played in the Premier League and he is an international footballer.

“He can play football and he can do what we are asking him to do.”

Duffy scored when Burnley won at the Amex last season.

Albion will look to combat the Clarets’ ex-Albion strike duo of Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes, who shared three goals that day.

Potter has been weighing up his defensive options both to start and for the bench, although they might not include Leon Balogun, who had muscle tightness on his return from international duty with Nigeria.

The Seagulls boss said: “Sometimes there are other options, other combinations that maybe we feel are better at that particular time.

“He (Duffy) will be ready, that’s for sure, for the weekend and for the games coming up."