Albion newcomer Jake Wright is relishing the prospect of ending a three-and-a-half year wait for his full debut in the Football League.

Wright is poised to start today’s opening fixture against Walsall at Withdean after his whirlwind move from Crawley.

The 25-year-old is expected to play at left-back, with Jim McNulty ruled out until next month after having a kidney removed in March.

Wright was playing against Albion at centre half for Crawley in a friendly just a fortnight ago but it has been much longer since his only previous league appearance.

That was in February 2006 as a substitute for Bradford City before launching his marathon haul back to the pro ranks under former Seagull Chris Wilder at Halifax.

Wright said: “I didn’t get much chance at Bradford. There were a lot of managerial changes and they went for experienced players, because they were struggling against relegation.

“I had two good years at Halifax under Chris Wilder and I thought I was good enough to get back into league football but I know how hard it is to get back in.

“There are so many players wanting to do it and so many players out of contract.

“I thought my best chance was by getting promoted from the Conference with Crawley. I never thought Brighton would be coming in for me.

“I never expected it, especially to miss out League Two and jump straight to League One with such a big club and in such a nice place. I can’t wait, not necessarily starting but just to be involved in the squad.”

Wright thought he would be beginning the season with Crawley at Mansfield today when he lined up against Albion last month.

He was playing for the Seagulls in a friendly at Torquay four days later and signed last week for an undisclosed six-figure fee, with Hearts, Charlton and Colchester also keen to buy him.

He said: “I can feel myself improving already just by training and being with better players.

“I just want to play as many games as I can to prove I can play at this level. I have not come just to sit on the bench as cover.”