Jason Steele has been urged to take his opportunity in goal for Albion.

Graham Potter confirmed Steele will replace suspended Robert Sanchez when the Seagulls go to Aston Villa after the international break.

It will be his first league action since he kept a clean sheet for Sunderland at home to Wolves in May, 2018, although he has made eight cup appearances for Albion.

Sanchez was sent off for clipping the heel of goalbound Callum Wilson late in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle.

Kjell Scherpen, the youngster signed this summer from Ajax, will be on the bench at Villa.

He played for the under-23s as they drew 1-1 with Tottenham on Friday evening.

Potter said: “Jason has played in the Carabao Cup so he will be in goal and Kjell will support him.

“Jason has never let us down, he’s a fantastic guy and he will take the opportunity. His distribution is fantastic, he makes saves.

“He knows the guys, works with us every day so no problems with Jason.

“That’s what he’s there for, to wait for an opportunity and to be ready and I know he will do that.”

Sanchez’s late foul arguably preserved a point for an Albion side who looked on course for all three after Leandro Trossard converted a penalty.

Potter said: “It’s the life of a goalkeeper.

“It’s the life of a young goalkeeper that you have to take some adversity at times, some challenging moments.

“It’s always about how you respond.

“A career isn’t built on success only, it’s built on moments like today, moments where confidence isn’t as high or form isn’t as good.

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“That’s how young players develop and grow and we’ll support him and have the utmost faith and belief in him.

“We love him for what he has done with us.

“He has been fantastic. It’s upsetting for him at the moment but he’ll get back stronger.”