England ace Andy Stanford has revealed his dream is to play for Albion.

The 18-year-old helped England Schools under-18s clinch the Centenary Shield when they drew 1-1 Wales at Swindon.

Now Stanford hopes it will be a step towards playing for Third Division champions Albion.

Stanford said: "I am an Albion fan. I get to see them as much as I can.

"I'm at college in the Midlands at the moment and play for Solihull but I want to play professional and my big dream is to play for Albion.

"I've supported them for most of my life. My family are all big fans.

"I'm limited as to when I can go and watch them at the moment but I have seen them a few times. I've seen them at Macclesfield, Hull and Rochdale and got down to Withdean to see them play Exeter just before Christmas. Micky Adams has got them playing very well.

"I keep up to date with how they are getting on through my family who all live in the Worthing area because they are send me regular copies of The Argus and The Sports Argus.

"Winning the title is brilliant news. It has been amazing turn around. It wasn't that long ago they were struggling.

"Hopefully playing for England has put me in the shop window and I'm hoping a professional club wants to sign me, fingers crossed it will be Albion. I spent 18 months with Derby and a short period with Coventry and would love the chance to have a crack at being a professional.

"It would be a great time to be part of the Seagulls.

"What gives me a little encouragement is how well Adam Virgo has done at Albion. He came to Albion when he was my age after being at college and has managed to get into the first team this season.

"Perhaps my England assistant manager Vic Bragg, who is a coach at Albion's centre of excellence, can put in a word for me."

Stanford has followed Ollie Rowland, the Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College student who played for the under-18s last year.

Rowland went on to earn a year's professional contract with Crystal Palace.

He is in touch with Gareth Barry, the St Leonards youngster who is now a full England international.

Stanford said: "A mate of mine goes out with Gareth and we are on nodding terms. Perhaps I can pick up a bit of advice from him.

"I'd love to achieve just some of what he has done."

Stanford laid on the equaliser for Paul Surrey in front of 2,000 at Swindon to enable England to share the Shield with Scotland.