Ben Johnson is all set for Brighton after what most saw as a big performance against Manchester City – Raheem Sterling and all.

Ben Johnson showing vast improvement

The 21 year old right back has responded brilliantly to his former academy director Terry Westley’s  advice to make the most of every chance he gets.

Tel explained to CandH: “He and all the others from the academy had it drummed into them. Make sure you don’t fail because it’s very easy for managers to drop youngsters rather than senior players.”

Beyond Declan nobody has observed those words better than the young man who improves game on game and is currently keeping the superb Vladi Coufal out of the team.

It’s a great position for the club to find itself in with youngsters coming through capable of keeping big spending in the market down.

And with the club – as exclusively revealed by us today – in talks with him for a new contract, the manager gave his view of the right back.

He said: “He’s a great boy to work with. He’s had to wait because we’ve had a few right backs at the moment. He got his opportunity through a couple of injuries and he’s come in and shown what he can do. 

He needs to keep it up and keep his standards high but we’re really pleased with Ben. He had a really good game against Raheem Sterling on Sunday, as he did at home when we played them in the cup as well. I have to say well done to Ben, he’s started the season very well.

Sometimes you need a couple of games and Ben got it because of injuries to Vladimír and Ryan at the time. He’s taken it and certainly earned his position and the chance to get that jersey.”