Forster-Caskey signs new deal to stay at The Amex until 2015

The 18-year-old midfielder made a big impression during his limited first team appearances last season but is hopeful of breaking into the match day squad more regularly from now on.

Forster-Caskey, who has been linked with both Arsenal and Aston Villa, said, “I’m really happy with the new deal. It’s an up and coming club and I signed my first contract at 17, so to get another one so soon is something that I’m really happy with.

“It’s the only club that I have played at but every year I have progressed as I’ve wanted to. I’ve set myself goals and I’ve reached them, so it’s the only club I want to be a part of.

“The style Gus plays is perfect for me. I’m not a player who is going to kick it long, so at Brighton I can get the ball down. It’s a great place to be.

“It was really nice to have a run in the first team last season and now I’ve done it once I want to get more. At the moment I’m just thinking about my club football and hoping to do well for Brighton.

“The development squad set-up has helped me, we pass the ball and there are some really good players in there. It’s been good for me but now I have set my sights on pushing for more first-team football this season.”

Albion manager Gus Poyet added, “This is very good news for the football club. I’m delighted. It’s important for us to keep him at the club and to make sure that he finishes his development with us.

“It’s great news for the football club and for everyone who has been working with him in the past, especially Martin Hinshelwood.

“He doesn’t look 17 or 18 years of age on the pitch with the senior professionals, and when he made the jump up to the first team he had the same character. He knows the way we play and he has been doing that with Luke Williams in the development squad.”