Jan Paul van Hecke could have a role to play for Albion in their Premier League season.

The Dutch defender now looks set to stay with the Seagulls rather than going out on loan to Sunderland.

That is likely to remain the case even if his former Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray takes charge on Wearside.

Van Hecke did a useful job as a very late substitute at home to Leeds as the visitors threw the ball and players forward in desperate pursuit of an equaliser.

But head coach Graham Potter said: “It’s not just about that.

“That’s the role he played at the weekend.

“It’s not to say that he can’t go on sooner or play from the start.

“He has to be patient. He knows the quality of player we have in those areas.

“But, while he is getting on in the Premier League, it is difficult for us to say, ‘Okay there is a better option somewhere else’.

“We will constantly monitor it but between now and November time I think there is a good chance he could help us, there is a good chance he is on the pitch.

“And that is good for him in the Premier League.”

Van Hecke impressed in the Carabao Cup tie at Forest Green.

At the time he looked set for move to Sunderland.

Their boss Alex Neil moved on to Stoke City at the weekend.

Van Hecke had great success with his probable successor Mowbray during his loan at Championship high-flyers Blackburn last season.

But his focus now is on making a Prem impact.

Potter said: “No, it’s more what he has been doing with us.

“We have always been impressed with him, how he is day to day with us.

“He helped us against Leeds and it’s a big moment for him to be on the pitch in the Premier League, “A good occasion for him and now we will keep seeing him.”

Albion also have Levi Colwill, on loan from Chelsea, among their defensive ranks and he has helped see through wins over Manchester United and Leeds.

Their fellow defender Ed Turns could be set for a loan move as summer business comes to a finale this week.

The centre-back from Mid Sussex impressed alongside Colwill and van Hecke in a three at Forest Green.