Albion prospect Rob Hunt has been rewarded for a first team breakthrough this season with a new contract.

The right-back has signed an extended deal until June 2018.

Hunt, originally out of contract next summer, made his Championship debut as a substitute at Burton last month and also played in the League Cup.

Boss Chris Hughton said of the Dagenham-born 21-year-old: "I'm delighted for Rob and it's an example of young players working as hard as they can to develop. He came to us late and he's not one that's been here since he was 12 years of age."

Hughton has earmarked Hunt for a loan move in the New Year, by which time Liam Rosenior will be back from injury to supplement skipper Bruno.

"Rob benefited from the injury situation at full-back, but that's what he is here for - to look for opportunities and stake a claim," Hughton said.

 

"He's done that and is regularly training with the first team. Ultimately, we will look for an opportunity to get him out on loan in January.

"He's had a spell with the first team and now he is back playing in the under-23s, but at such a young age it's tough to not be playing so regularly.

"As part of his development, Rob needs that test of regular senior football and if we're in a position to loan him out in January then we will do that."