Time for Tariq to focus on the most important thing - Graham Potter

Brighton and Hove Albion manager, Graham Potter, believes Tariq Lamptey's concluded new deal should allow the defender to concentrate on developing his game.

The right-back's future at Falmer Stadium had been thrown in doubt after links to Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Atletico Madrid came to light following a run of impressive outings in the Premier League.

He signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract on Sunday, committing his long term future to the Seagulls.

"Tariq's new contract is good news for the club and for him," Potter said, as reported by his club's official website.

"It means his short, medium and long-term future is with us and he can focus on the most important thing for him, which is first to get fit and then to play more games in the Premier League.

“He's not played that much, so we need to help him get more games so he can carry on the development he has shown. But obviously everyone is delighted he has committed his future to the club.

"We were aware of the attributes that he did have when he signed and he has managed to use them. He has still got a lot to do, but that's the exciting thing.”

Lamptey is presently in the treatment room, having been forced out of action by injury since featuring in a 0-0 draw with Fulham mid-December.

The 20-year-old has had to miss out of the club's last seven matches in all competitions and looks set to sit out Saturday's FA Cup meeting with Blackpool.

"By playing he will kick on, but he will also do that by working with his teammates and coaches," Potter added.

"If you speak to Tariq, he will say that he can improve every area of his game although that's not to say that he's not doing really well, that's just normal.

“He wants to improve. He's got that ambition, but now it's about settling down and getting on with important stuff like playing and affecting games that help us win points.”

Lamptey made his Premier League debut with Chelsea where he progressed through the youth system.

On his promotion to the first team, he found limited opportunities at Stamford Bridge, prompting a move away in search of more playing time.

In January last year, he was snapped up by Brighton, who initially signed him on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

The full-back has so far made 11 league appearances for Brighton.

At international level, Lamptey, born in the UK to Ghanaian parents, has emerged as a target for Ghana who is keen to have him ditch England's U21 side for the Black Stars.