Lionheart Tariq Lamptey can be Chelsea’s loss after making “a really brave decision” to join Albion.

The 19-year-old right-back hopes to build on an impressive debut at Leicester when Manchester United visit the Amex tomorrow.

He has been praised for his bold move away from Stamford Bridge by a former defender who had been told to look out for him making the grade at Chelsea.

Gary Chivers played at right-back for both the Blues and Seagulls.

He said: “You come to a certain stage at a club and think maybe you need games earlier than you were expecting to progress.

“I think that is what he has done.

“It’s very difficult at a top club like Chelsea.

“He made a really brave decision in leaving and going to Brighton to prove himself and play more first team games. I thought it was brave.”

Chivers works in hospitality lounges when Chelsea play at home and has an array of contacts at Stamford Bridge.

He said there was plenty of talk among well-informed and close followers of the club about what Lamptey had to offer.

Chivers said: “I had heard he has a hell of a lot of pace, is confident on the ball, competent in the air for someone who lacks a few inches and brave as a lion.

“I think that showed the other day when he played.

“These are top people saying this. People who have seen him and think he is decent enough to play (for Chelsea).

“A couple of ex-players as well said to me, ‘Watch him - when he gets a chance he will take it’.

“Unfortunately, he has now left the Blues.”