ADAM Lallana has praised defender Tariq Lamptey after he made his Premier League return on Saturday.

The right-back made his first Premier League outing since last December against Norwich as he entered the field as a second-half substitute for Joel Veltman.

While he is not yet back to his best, it is good to see the promising defender back on the pitch.

Adam Lallana congratulated Tariq Lamptey on making his return on Instagram.

The 33-year-old said: "Buzzing to have Tariq back...one of life's good guys and some player.

"Far from our best yesterday performance-wise, but will take the point. Some monster games coming up. We'll be ready.

Lamptey replied to Lallana, he said: "Thank you bro, really appreciate it. Buzzing to be back."

While Lamptey did not amaze on his return, he put in a very solid performance for the Seagulls. He completed 94.7 per cent of his passes, as well as playing one accurate cross and one accurate long ball.

It was clear to see that the defender lacked some match fitness as he gave away two fouls in his 32-minute cameo.

The 21-year-old will be hoping for more game time in the coming weeks, as Albion take on Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League as well as a League Cup match against Leicester City.

It is Lamptey's second appearance this season after he got 45 minutes under his belt against Swansea City in the League Cup last month.

Graham Potter will have to manage the defender's playing time, as to not cause any reoccurrence to the injury that kept him out for ten months.