Dunk has made one first team appearance for the Seagulls

Brighton manager Gus Poyet believes defender Lewis Dunk has the potential to play in the Premier League.

The 18-year-old has yet to make a first team appearance this season after being sidelined with a fractured foot.

Poyet told BBC Sussex: "I think he will, no doubt. He understands football, knows where the danger is and is able to deal with situation.

"He is not afraid of keeping the ball and passing in tight areas. He's an important player for the game I like."

The centre-back played 45 minutes for Albion's reserve team in their 0-0 draw with Wycombe in midweek.

"We were in a difficult situation to know if he was able to play as we don't have too many reserve games," Poyet said.

"We decided to take the risk to play him. Everybody who was at Lancing saw he was commanding and didn't have any problems.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him train with us week in week out."

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