Sixteen-year-old Adam Hinshelwood is Albion's Boy From Uncle.

The 16-year-old nephew of the Seagulls director of youth, Martin, impressed his relative on a full debut for the youth team in a 1-1 draw at Gillingham.

And defender Hinshelwood, who was on the bench as Albion were edged out of the FA Youth Cup at Everton last week, could have put himself in the frame for a three-year scholarship deal this summer.

Uncle Martin said: "Adam's first full 90 minutes was very pleasing for the club. It has nothing to do with the fact he's my nephew, he is judged purely on whether he is a player and he's got a chance of going all the way.

"I played professionally for Crystal Palace and I believe he could be a better player than me.

"Adam is powerfully built for his age and is developing well as a footballer."

Manhood College pupil Hinshelwood, who plays for Albion under-17s against Southend at Lancing on Saturday, is keeping his fingers crossed after a series of knockbacks.

The Selsey-based ace, who had English Schools' under-18 trials this season, has had setbacks with Norwich, Arsenal and Portsmouth and even since joining Albion just over a year ago he's been hit by injury.

His father Paul, who also played professionally with Palace, said: "Adam's had some disappointments. The distance to Norwich became a proble, and he went to Arsenal. Liam Brady seemed keen on him but in the end they sent a letter to say they had to let him go and the reason I feel is over the fact he couldn't make training twice a week.

"Portsmouth was going okay when Martin was there but when he left we didn't hear any more from them so Martin suggested Adam came to Albion. He enjoys it there. He gets on well with all the boys.'

It was feared a cartilage injury sustained against Brentford for the under-16s last September would sideline him for a year.

Paul said: "It wasn't as bad as was thought at first and he got back to playing reasonably quickly but just before Christmas he broke his nose."

Shaun Wilkinson grabbed an equaliser against the Gills as Albion tried to avoid a Cup hangover and re-set their targets after the defeat at Goodison.

Martin Hinshelwood said:" Everyone was disappointed. The boss Micky Adams was there and they didn't play to anywhere near their potential. But life goes on and they've now got to aim for a top three place in the Youth Alliance."

Ben Andrews, Danny Davis, Will Packham and Conor McCurdy came in as Albion rung the changes from the Everton loss.

Hinshelwood said: "A few were given a rest because they were tired from the Cup game.'

Wilkinson and Rupert Sansom are stuggling to overcome calf problems for the Alliance against Southend at Sussex University on Saturday

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