Former Albion defender Gary Stevens believes Joel Veltman is a handy player for head coach Graham Potter to have at his disposal.

The 28-year-old signed from Ajax over the summer after spending 19 years at the Dutch side.

Veltman had only made eight appearances for Albion prior to Tariq Lamptey picking up a hamstring injury in their 0-0 draw at Fulham in December.

But since then he has started 11 of the Seagulls last 13 league games.

He has impressed with his performances and scored his first goal for the club in their 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace last month.

So far this season Veltman has played at centre back and right wing-back, filling in for Dunk and Lamptey whilst they were suspended and injured, respectively.

Stevens, who was a versatile defender during his career, believes Veltman is a good option for Albion to have.

He said: “If you look at Veltman’s background with Ajax and his football education he is a very capable footballer.

“The modern game is about being technically good, having awareness, being able to manipulate and move the ball at pace.

“For me he has a really good football education.

“He is not a Tariq Lamptey to the extent he does not have the pace that Lamptey possesses. So, as a wing-back I would favour Lamptey.

“But if players get injured or suspended you need others who can fill in and I think Veltman is very efficient at doing that.”