Graham Potter has admitted Shane Duffy helped save Albion money on a defensive signing.

The Irish international was among the options which persuaded the Seagulls boss he had enough at the back, even as Ben White headed to Arsenal.

Duffy is set to face Jamie Vardy and Leicester after a strong start to the season.

He seized his chance in pre-season when Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster were both injured while Joel Veltman rested after his Euro 2020 exertions.

With Webster again ruled out, the pairing of Dunk and Duffy, which helped take Albion to the Premier League, could be in operation against the Foxes – just as it was in the second half at Brentford last Saturday.

Albion boss Potter has welcomed Duffy back after his loan season at Celtic.

He said: “I’ve been really impressed.

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“I think since he’s come back from a frustrating, disappointing, sad time for him up in Scotland, he’s realised how much he means to us here and vice versa.

“I think he knows he’s in a good place, with good people around him that want to help him, and he has taken massive steps I think in terms of reflecting on his experiences previously and just trying to be the best team-mate he can and the best professional he can.

“Then he just takes each day by day, each training session by session, does his very best and he’s getting the rewards now and it’s huge credit to Shane.

“We’re delighted for him here because everyone has such a fondness for him in terms of on and off the pitch.”

Potter has consistently said he had no plans to sign a centre-back, even when White left for £50 million.

He reiterated that when Leo Ostigard joined Stoke on loan.

Speaking ahead of Leicester’s visit, Potter said: “It wasn’t in our plans, to be honest.

“We’ve got good options in that area, players that can play there - Dan Burns, Joel Veltman, Shane, Lewis, Adam Webster, Haydon Roberts coming up, so we have a lot of players there.

“Obviously with Shane and his attributes it makes him unique almost in terms of what he can bring to the team, so like I said we’re delighted that he’s enjoying his football and what he’s bringing to the team.”

Burn is in contention to face Leicester after recovering from a knee injury.