Brighton & Hove Boss: Leon Balogun Is Pushing For Starting Spot, He Plays For Nigeria

Brighton & Hove boss Chris Hughton has revealed that Leon Balogun is pushing for a starting spot in the team and has highlighted that the central defender is a Nigeria international.

Since joining from Mainz as a free agent in the summer transfer window, the 30-year-old has made only two appearances from a possible ten in all competitions, starting against Liverpool and coming off the bench against Manchester United.

Balogun is behind Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk in the pecking order of central defenders and has been an unused substitute in the last six Premier League matches.

There will be more competition for a first team spot in the next two months or so as center back Dan Burn will join from Wigan Athletic.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Hughton stated : ''Dan Burn will join in January too - we have two centre halves playing well and Leon Balogun pushing them all the way and playing for his country. That's always been the plan with Dan''.

The Seagulls, who face Wolves on Saturday afternoon, are currently 12th in the table after recording two straight wins against West Ham and Newcastle United.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel