By Nick Park

James Furlong is a 20-year-old youngster with an extremely bright future ahead.

On transfer deadline day a deal was struck, sending him to Motherwell for the remainder of this campaign.

Albion under-21 manager Shannon Ruth sent out the challenge, saying: “Now he needs to take that next step in a first team environment and in joining a Scottish Premiership team, he will be tested to a really good standard.”

Following the move, Motherwell’s manager Steven Hammell expressed on the club’s official website: “James is a young player who came highly recommended to us from Brighton. 

"It’s a good opportunity for him and is seen as a potential first-team player for Brighton so we feel this is a great move for both parties.”

When Furlong descended upon Fir Park, Motherwell were propping up the table.

Now they are perched in eighth spot and relishing another season in the Scottish top-flight.

Credit, in part, needs to be awarded to James for his performances since embarking on his Motherwell romance.

A lot has occurred since moving to Scotland.

Thirteen matches have been fought out and, after the third against Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup, when Furlong was left out, Hammell was sacked.  In stepped Stuart Kettlewell to become their new gaffer. 

In Furlong’s inaugural game against St Johnstone, he came on following the interval.

Ever since he has featured although he has been substituted extremely late on in seven of them.

This is evidence of the potential this youngster carries in abundance.

It is obvious that he possesses the energy to succeed and is clever on the ball.  He has performed at left-back for Motherwell so far.

In the match with Heart of Midlothian, Furling had a few opportunities to unleash a cross into the box.

During the Kilmarnock game, away, he had a shot on target but the opposition’s goalkeeper Sam Walker was outstanding and thwarted his attempt.

The Rangers fixture was a stern test although Furlong rose to the occasion and provided a cross or two while endeavouring to create chances.

In the recent home performance with Kilmarnock, he combined with Blair Spittal, assisting in getting the ball into the back of the net. 

Speaking to The Irish News, whilst at Motherwell, he said: “It has been huge for me.

“Coming in and then a week later there was a change of manager.

“Getting that experience of coming into things and things changing again.

“It was a little hard but in football there are always changes and you just have to get on with it and focus on yourself and the team.

“Each game presents a different challenge, whether it’s a team lower down or a team higher up, it’s really good exposure for me.  I have really enjoyed it.  I think I have settled in really well and I am enjoying it and hopefully that will continue.

Furlong was recently honoured with a call-up to Ireland’s under-21 squad for a contest with Iceland bad did not appear on the pitch.

When he returns to Brighton, it would appear he could battle for that left-back spot.

Pervis Estupinan has shone in this position but it is a role where Albion lack specialist competition and cover.
Can Furlong provide that?

Only time will tell.  Watch this space.