Albion have hit back at Joel Lynch for suggesting in a foul-mouthed attack that nobody at the club cares about him.

The Seagulls insist they have kept a close eye on the young defender’s progress at Nottingham Forest, where he spent most of the season on loan.

Lynch critcised the club during an internet debate started by Jake Robinson, his Albion team-mate.

Robinson posed the question on Facebook – the social networking site – wondering if Brighton will ever get in contact with him?

Lynch, joining in the post-midnight discussion, wrote: “I’ve been at Forest since September. Not one **** has rung me,” before adding ironically: “defo makes me wanna go back.”

Lynch’s remarks have not gone down well with Albion.

Assistant manager Dean White said: “We have monitored Joel’s progress at Nottingham Forest throughout the season, keeping a regular eye on him in matches, as we would with any player of ours on loan at another club.

“Additionally, I have kept in touch and spoken with Joel several times over the last eight months or so, and the last time was only a fortnight ago.

“I think Joel may now regret his comments, which were made in the heat of the moment.”

Lynch was loaned out to Forest by former manager Micky Adams. They are keen to sign him permanently but the 21-year-old still has two years left on his contract with Albion and boss Russell Slade will be discussing his future shortly after steering the Seagulls clear of relegation from League One.

White said: “There is no doubt Joel is a very good player, and I am sure Russell will make contact with him in the next week or so, but for the last eight weeks he has had rather more pressing matters to deal with. In the meantime, Joel needs to decide where his future lies.”