GARETH BARRY’S nephew is one of three youngsters handed their first professional deals by Albion.

Full-back Bradley Barry has been offered a development contract after completing a two-year scholarship with the Seagulls.

Centre-back Glen Rea and Rob Hunt, another full-back, have also been offered deals to join Luke Williams’ development squad next season. However, fellow scholars George Cousins, Ryan Cooper, Elliot Levy, Ben Gray, Jacob Peake and Jack Shonk have been released.

Albion head of football operations David Burke said: “Glenn, Rob and Bradley have demonstrated to the coaching staff that not only do they have the ability to become professional footballers but that they also have the mental and physical capabilities.

“More importantly they consistently work hard to improve themselves both technically and tactically. These characteristics are crucial if they are to prove themselves in the development squad and take on their next challenge of making the first-team squad.”

Barry, Rea and Hunt could play in today’s Sussex Senior Cup final against Bognor at The Amex (3pm). Young Player of the Year Solly March is suspended but Lewis Dunk, Anton Rodgers and George Barker could feature despite an on-going court case.

Albion midfield prospect Jake Forster-Caskey has been named in a provisional 35-man squad for the forthcoming Under-20 World Cup by England chief and former Seagulls boss Peter Taylor.