Elphick finished ahead of Nicky Forster to win the award (Getty)

Brighton defender Tommy Elphick says he is delighted to have been voted player of the season by fans.

The 20-year-old centre-back had only made two starts for the club before breaking into the first-team in August in the Carling Cup defeat at Cardiff.

Elphick told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "It means everything to me. I came out of Cardiff after having a good game and thought 'this is my aim'.

"I'm happy with what I have done - next season I'll look to improve again."