Jakub Moder continued his return from injury this evening.

The Polish midfielder played the first half as Albion under-21s beat Aston Villa 2-1 at Lancing in Premier League 2.

He looked sharp and his strong tackle led to Samy Chouchane giving the Seagulls an early lead with a well-struck low shot.

It was Moder’s second outing within a week after a knee injury which kept him out for 19 months.

He had half an hour at Arsenal on Sunday.

Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi said: “I am happy for him because I know how a player can suffer when they are injured. He can be important for us.

“Now he’s working with the group and he’s starting play with the under-21s to get more minutes.”

Albion led 2-0 when Moder made his pre-planned exit.

Ruairi McConville headed in Luca Barrington's corner for what proved to be the winner.

Tommi O'Reilly scored late on for Villa.

Albion: Cahill: Nilsson, Atom (Flower 62), Kavanagh, Slater, Chouchane, Moder (Hinchy 46), McConville, Barrington, Baker-Boaitey (76), O'Mahony

“We hope he can start quickly but I don’t know the right time.”