Shane Duffy ended up with the armband against Chelsea.

But Graham Potter can understand why he might want to move on in search of more action.

Duffy now heads off to join the Republic of Ireland squad and might have played his final game for the Seagulls.

Perhaps as a send-off, adoring fans sang his name and some called for him to take the late penalty as Albion drew 1-1.

Head coach Potter said: “We can’t control the things in the media.

“You understand the speculation with Shane because he is an important player, he is a big character and he wants to play football.

“You put two and two together and it’s an obvious one.

“But he has been fantastic for me and he has been great in the group.

“I understand he wants to play and we need to make those decisions at the right time for him and for the team.

“At this moment he is with us, he does his best every day and he is part of your group.”