Painter has been an ever-present in the League for Brighton this season

Brighton left-back Marcos Painter says they will be able to cope without winger Kazenga LuaLua.

The 19-year-old's loan spell with the Seagulls from Newcastle has been cut short after he broke his ankle against Hartlepool last Saturday.

Painter told BBC Sussex: "To lose someone like him is a big loss. But it's a big chance for someone to step up and show what they can do.

"We can all prove we are not a one-man team and we can cope without him."

LuaLua scored four goals in 11 appearances after joining the Seagulls in September.

Brighton manager Gus Poyet aims to bring in a replacement for the winger by the end of this week.

"The search is going well but it is not easy," the Uruguayan told BBC Sussex. "We won't get someone who is out of contract.

"We're trying to bring in someone who's been playing or is fit and can jump into the team and play.

"I like to deal with the situation with the best option first. It could happen at any time - it's out of my hands."

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