Andrew Crofts is ready for some key talks over the next step for some of Albion’s brightest prospects.

But the Under-23s boss says the future is bright for those looking to progress through the ranks.

The development side followed their mid-table finish in Premier League 2 by winning the Sussex Senior Cup to round off their season.

There are several big calls to be made over the coming weeks across the age groups.

Crofts told the Argus: “It’s just knowing the next part of a player’s journey, whether that’s the scholars from the 18s coming up and joining the 23s, whether that’s some of the older 23s going on loan, whether they are staying and are close to our first team.

“There are so many different variables in the 23s that we have to manage.

“But there is certainly a pathway at the club in terms of promoting young players.

“You can see that from this season.

“To be a young player at Brighton, you are in a good place.”

Goalkeeper Carl Rushworth is one of the older Under-23s now back off loan.

He excelled at Walsall this season, winning two player of the year awards, and could go out again to a club higher in the EFL if the right option can be found.

Head coach Graham Potter said: “He has had a really good season, we are happy with that.

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“It’s important to go out on loan and play and have a positive experience.

“To get those awards says that and the fact that he has played and had the experience of what they went through is good for him.

“He has been training with us and we will sit down and find the right pathway for him but, obviously, if he is going to go out on loan, it will be nice to find a step up because that is how you use the loan system well.”