Navarro began his career as a trainee with Liverpool

Brighton midfielder Alan Navarro hopes his performance in their Carling Cup victory against Sunderland will lead to more first team opportunities.

It was only the 30-year-old's second start since injuring his cruciate ligament in August last year.

Navarro told BBC Sussex: "Last season was very frustrating for me. I've come back and proved my fitness and that I deserve to be here.

"I'm delighted to get through it and hopefully I can get more chances."

The former Macclesfield and MK Dons player trained with the Seagulls over the summer in a bid to get a new deal, and was awarded a one-year contract earlier this month.

Navarro added: "I worked hard all pre-season and it's benefitting me now.

"The team was announced an hour-and-a-half before kick-off. I was a little bit surprised but you've got to take your chances.

"Hopefully I've put something in the gaffer's mind."

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